A 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Costs $30,715, Maybe Miata Isn't The Answer...

For the record, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata costs $30,715 in the U.S. (close to $36,000 in Canada) and sends 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Those ponies come from a smooth 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual gearbox is desirable, and an automatic is optional. Standard cars get 16-inch wheels, while upmarket trims come with 17s. For an extra $3,000 or so, the Club edition gets upgraded suspension bits, and for $1,500 more, the Grand Touring adds leather seats.

SEE ALSO: 5 Tips For Buying A Used Sportscar

Buyers looking for a heavy dose of fun behind the wheel have a number of options to consider. The Miata is a good one, but it’s not the only adrenaline shot on four wheels for potential buyers to consider. We’ve selected three used options that we think potential buyers shopping for a new Mazda MX-5 Miata might want to consider. As we always do when we consider these exercises, we’ve limited our picks to cars sold within the last few years and with no more than the average of 12,000 miles per year on their odometers.

Option 1: BMW Z4

A used 2020-2022 BMW Z4 with low miles falls neatly into the 2025 Miata’s price range. The Z4’s standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 255 horses and 294 lb-ft of torque. That makes it quite a bit more powerful than the Miata, but even if it’s quicker in a straight line, it’s not as sporty as the lithe Mazda on a curvy stretch of asphalt. Plus, it was only offered with an eight-speed automatic, and while it’s a good transmission, buyers looking for the ultimate in sportiness would prefer a stick.

The BMW Z4 is a slick package both inside and out. Its cabin is much more luxurious than the Miata’s, which makes sense considering it’s much pricier when new. The BMW, while still small, is larger than the Mazda and more comfortable. Some buyers looking for an open-air experience may prefer the BMW’s polished demeanor.

Option 2: Jaguar F-Type

We wouldn’t recommend Jaguar ownership to just anyone. The Miata is quite likely to be a reliable car for its owners and shouldn’t require much more than routine maintenance. A Jag like the lovely F-Type we’re highlighting here may cause its owners a headache or two along the way. That said, if you’re looking for a second car that’s destined to spend time in the garage in between fun weekend outings, the Jaguar F-Type is a contender.

Jaguar offered the F-Type in coupe and convertible variations, powered by a range of four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. If you look hard enough and are willing to choose one that’s a little older, all three engines can be had within our budget. If you’re looking for greater-than-Miata performance, we’d advise skipping the 296-hp four-cylinder and looking for a V6-powered model with either 340 hp or 380 hp in S trim.

For those who would consider a used F-Type (and we wouldn’t blame you), we’d suggest leaving some room in the budget for maintenance. If you don’t mind that fact, the Jaguar is a beautiful car that will command respect and admiring glances for years to come.

Option 3: Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

When Chevrolet initially launched the 1LE package for its sixth-generation Camaro, it did so with a 6.2-liter V8 underhood. But, as the Miata faithful have long championed, the truth is you don’t need huge horsepower to have fun behind the wheel.

The 1LE kit, which includes a slew of suspension upgrades to go along with an aggressive aero package, eventually became an option on Camaros with both the V6 and turbo-four engines. Which is better is a matter of preference. The V6 makes 335 hp and 284 lb-ft while the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder spins out 275 hp and 295 lb-ft. The four weighs a bit less up front, but the naturally aspirated V6 loves to rev. Either way, the 1LE package makes the Camaro into a true weapon that will annihilate a Miata (or Mustang, or pretty much anything within this price range) on a proper race track.

If you decide to buy a used 1LE, first, you’ve made a good decision, and second, you’re going to have to sort through a bunch of online classified ads. The easiest way to spot a 1LE is to look for the front splitter, matte black hood and mirrors on the outside, and suede Recaro seats inside.

Why not just buy an MX-5 Miata?

We love the Mazda Miata. Always have. But while some people’s fervent praise for the soulful little roadster borders on religious, we happen to think that some alternatives suit some buyers better. The used car market is a great tool to have at your disposal, and a lightly used Z4 or Camaro 1LE might be just the ticket for buyers who like a little luxury or want to hone their at-the-limit driving skills.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.