If you’re in the market for a Mazda MX-5, you could go one of four ways: there are 4 distinct models ranging from 1990 up to the present day, but each iteration offers essentially the same thing; lightweight, well-balanced, and fun motoring in a soft-top sports car.

There have been improvements made throughout the MX-5s life to its cabin, exterior styling, and engine range, but any of the models will provide you with a relatively cheap and easy entrance into the club of sports cars.

Of them, perhaps the safest and most refined option would be the last generation, the ND – it was first on sale in 2015 and offers the best combination of the classic MX-5 design philosophy alongside much-improved engines and more.

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The Mazda MX-5 ND Is A Sports Car For Everyone

Nd Mx-5 Miata convertible
Cnet.com

The engine range changed from the previous generation’s 1.8-liter and 2-liter to include a new 1.5-liter: this new 1.5-liter Skyactiv engine made 129 hp - a few more than the old 1.8-liter motor - and the 2-liter made 155 hp.

That changed in 2018 when the car was given the power it deserved, a 2-liter offering around 180 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque – much more like it in the car that only ever had ‘just enough’ horsepower.

Weighing 220 lbs less than the previous Mazda MX-5 NC, combined with the extra power - and retractable hardtop in the form of the RF model for 2017 - this car had become more than worthy of its reputation and heritage.

For those looking for a cheap way into an MX-5 ND, however, the early 2016 model is the one to get, but the 2-liter will be offering the lower power output – though it should still be enough to have a lot of fun.

0-60 mph times depend on the engine under the hood, mid-8 seconds for the 1.5-liter and mid-7 seconds for the 2-liter, it’s not as fast as a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, but it will go round corners differently; the automatic will be slower but most people will want the manual anyway as it just makes sense in this car.

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Mazda’s 2016 MX-5 ND Is All About The Wind In Your Hair

2016-mazda-mx-5-miata-steering-wheel-controls-carbuzz-752299
Source Carbuzz.com

Inside, there are accouterments-abound, including air conditioning, electric windows, heated seats, cruise control, smartphone mirroring, lane departure warning, automatic lights and wipers, and automatic emergency braking, - the Club version brings in BBS wheels and Bilstein dampers too.

The RF’s only real difference is the electric roof which slides back and disappears, revealing a coupe-like body style, with buttresses up top, changing the look of the car considerably, but this is a model which started in 2017.

Usually, AutoTrader has an exhaustive list of MX-5 advertised and in this case, there are around 250 results just for 2016 Mazda MX-5 NDs.

If it’s the cheapest car you want, just under $16,000 dollars would get you a white 2-liter car from California with 139,000 miles and black wheels that look tidy on the outside – but with a high mileage like that, some maintenance information would be necessary.

For just a measly-$500 more, there is an immaculate white 2-liter car this time from Texas, with only a tiny 37,000 miles: but it’s an automatic, hardly ideal for experiencing the real deal behind the wheel.

Between $17,000 and $20,000, there is a condition and mileage for everyone, ranging from as little as 30,000 miles up to around 90,000 miles – so as always, it's worth checking thoroughly to find cars with low miles that have also been looked after well.

With prices ranging from between $15,000 and $20,000 for cars with mileages comfortably under 100,000, this could be the bargain sports car you always wanted and also your golden ticket into the sports car club.