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It’s hard to find good cheap cars these days, especially when it comes to sports cars. We live in a world where a 30-year-old Honda Accord sells for $8,500 and a 2000 Acura Integra GS-R makes Ferrari money. Even used hatchbacks 10 to 15 years old, which once sold for less than $5,000, are dropping to $8,000. Luckily, there’s hope if you’re a sports car fan. US News & World Report recently published a list of the best used sports cars under $15,000 and features several intriguing options, including the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, Dodge Challenger and Scion FR -S. But at the top of the list, proving once again that the answer is still Miata… is the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
What Makes the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata the Best Used Sports Car Under $15,000
There are many reasons why the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata landed the top spot on US News’ list of best used sports cars under $15,000.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is endlessly entertaining. It offers plenty of usable performance, but the real joy is in the driving experience. The lightweight platform provides excellent driving dynamics. Coupled with quick-ratio steering and a short-throw gearbox, every drive is rewarding.
Ultimately, it’s a sports car distilled to its pure essence. Yet it offers enough functionality, comfort and rock-solid reliability to be an everyday car. While other cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, and Dodge Challenger are larger and deliver better 0-60 mph times, they can’t match the Miata’s puppy fun.
Overall, reports US News, “The Miata is ideal for affordable performance driving.”
2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata Prices, Specs and Features
Now let’s see what this used Miata has to offer. It’s important to note that the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata featured in US News’ listing occupies the middle ground between the now classic Miatas and the current ND version. In fact, it offers the experience of a classic roadster with modern features such as leather upholstery, heated seats and a premium Bose stereo system, which makes the car more pleasant to live in every day.
According to US News, the average price paid for the 2010 MX-5 Miata is $12,155, and for that money you get the following specs:
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 91.7 inches
- Length: 157.3 inches
- Lenght: 67.7 inches
- Height: 49.4 inches
- Lester: 2,619 pounds
Engine/Transmission Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0-litre inline-4
- Powerful : 167 hp
- Couple : 140 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5- or 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Performance specifications:
- 100 km/h: 6.4s
- 1/4 mile: 14.9s
- Fuel economy: 22 to 28 mpg
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the answer
There’s no denying that the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a lot to offer. After all, it landed the top spot on US News’ list of the best used sports cars under $15,000. However, that shouldn’t be too surprising. The Miata is a simple yet dynamic car that prioritizes driver engagement over outright speed. What’s not to like about that?
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