Sell your 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata for cash
The 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat sports car that came with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 MX-5 Miata in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata at a glance
| Body style | Two Seaters |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.8L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19–21 city / 26 highway / 22–23 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900–$3,050 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 386–404 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 MX-5 Miata's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a two-seat sports car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 78,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1996 MX-5 Miata problems
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata with NHTSA. 1 report involved a crash.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Air Bags78,000 mi
- Air Bags56,000 mi
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 14 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Radio Unlocking Codes.
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibit
Speedometer replacement procedure
Concerns with soft top water leakage. *yc
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 1996 MX-5 Miata: questions
How much is a 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 MX-5 Miata that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 MX-5 Miatas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 MX-5 Miata?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 MX-5 Miata today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.