MX-5 Miata

Make
Mazda
Segment
Compact

Let it be clear: You can still purchase a Mazda MX-5 Miata and put the roof down before the summer is out. But good luck finding the one you really want, as the perfect Goldilocks model in the lineup - the Club - is all sold out.

For 2022, Mazda implemented some changes for the MX-5 Miata in both Roadster and RF forms to keep it fresh. It's hard to believe that the current Miata is now in its seventh year of production. Mazda didn't bother with a facelift - it still looks good - but instead added kinematic posture control to enhance its handling. But if you wanted the best-handling, best-braking, and arguably best-looking version, that's gone.

In bold 'SOLD OUT' letters, Mazda proclaims that neither the Roadster nor RF Miatas can be bought in Club form anymore.

A Mazda representative confirmed this to CarBuzz in a statement: "We can confirm that the MX-5 Club model is now fully sold out in the US for the 2022 model year after going on sale earlier this year. Mazda will no longer be accepting new orders. However, customers shopping for the MX-5 can still order a 2022 MX-5 Sport or Grand Touring model."

Since the ND MX-5 was launched for 2016, the Club variant has always presented the middle option for enthusiasts to take on a track day. It featured a slew of performance upgrades over the base Sport model, consisting of 17-inch wheels, Bilstein suspension, limited-slip differential, and a shock tower brace in the engine bay, but it did without automatic lights, auto-dimming mirrors, and climate control - features deemed surplus to the requirements of an enthusiast.

Forged BBS wheels, Brembo brakes, and Recaro seats with suede inserts were available (and standard on the RF for 2022) as part of a package exclusively for the Club trim, which means while you can buy a Miata still, you can't get one with these upgrades.

The closest thing you can now get is the MX-5 Grand Touring. It misses out on the aforementioned package upgrades, but so long as you spec the six-speed manual, you'll still get the Bilstein suspension, LSD, and strut tower brace. You also get navigation, automatic climate control, and better headlights with high-beam control.

For that, you'll pay $32,650 in soft-top form and $35,350 in RF guise. The soft-top is still available in Sport trim for $27,650 but makes do without these upgrades.

The Club will likely return for 2023, which means buyers will have another opportunity. But bear in mind that this clearly indicates that Miata buyers have their priorities, and performance - as well as a manual transmission - is clearly right up there.

2023 may be the last chance to get one, though. While Mazda has kept the Miata fresh despite its years, it will inevitably come to an end soon. Mazda is intent on building another Miata, believing (rightly so) that the model is integral to the brand. But with the shift to electrification coming, the venerable Miata may be forced to adopt hybridization to keep it alive.

All there is left to do is to implore you readers out there to buy the rest of the Miatas, so Mazda has an excuse to build more for 2023. Like Lake Mead, the number of convertibles you can buy new continues to dry up. The Miata remains the cheapest so get them while you still can.