The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the poster child of the fun-to-drive segment and the last convertible-only model in America. For a brand-new example of the petite roadster, a potential owner would need more than $30,000, since there are no longer any sports cars left under that price. Still, it’s a great car at a good price, but you can do better if you go older.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Manual
Model Year
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Year
2025
Model
MX-5 Miata
MSRP
$36,250
Engine
2L SKYACTIV-G I4 ICE
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Undercutting The Mazda Miata’s MSRP
2006-2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Silver Front Angled ViewAston Martin
The car in question is the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The striking coupe and roadster models debuted in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It was the return of the Vantage nameplate, one of the most important names in the automaker’s history, and the initial serving of the British coupe was with a naturally aspirated V8 engine. In later years, it adopted an NA V12 engine. However, the first model year of the AM05-generation Aston Martin Vantage now undercuts the MSRP of the 2025 Mazda Miata. According to Classic.com, the average selling price of the 2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is $27,469, while the average price range for the 2005 model year ranges between $26,416 and $29,606.
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2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe Sportshift RWD
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On Classic.com, listings of the 2005 MY V8 Vantage are scarce, and an example of a 2005 model year V8 Vantage with a six-speed manual transmission and 78,350 miles configured in right-hand drive. This example was sold in the United Kingdom. A few examples of the 2005 model year have been listed on several auction platforms, although few have been sold. However, casting the net a little wider and including more model years opens up the list of options, while undercutting the MSRP of the Mazda Miata.
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At the start of 2025, an example of the 2006 model year Aston Martin V8 Vantage sold for $29,500, with an aftermarket exhaust system, 20-inch wheels, roughly 47,000 miles, and a clean Carfax report. The roadster variant of the AM05-generation V8 Vantage can also be bought at a surprisingly low price, with an example of a stock 2007 model year with 30,000 miles sold for $29,100 in 2024. Prices can go even lower, as one example of the 2007 model year roadster sold for $24,750 in February 2025 with only 30,000 miles recorded and a clean Carfax report.
A Rarity
2006-2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Orange Front Angled ViewAston Martin
If you have enough money to buy a brand-new car, why settle for a much older one? The Aston Martin V8 Vantage, specifically, the 2005 model year, is an abnormality because this model year’s average selling price is significantly lower than every model year after that.
The number of cars sold affects the average selling price, and as we’ve said, the 2005 model year doesn’t appear that often. The average selling price of a 2006 model year Aston Martin V8 Vantage, according to Classic.com, is $40,654, compared to its $150,000 MSRP brand-new. Before Aston Martin updated the AM05-generation V8 Vantage, the model year with the highest average selling price was 2007, selling for roughly $42,654.
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Old Vs. New: 2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Vs. 2025 Aston Martin Vantage
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The British automaker’s efforts to update the V8 Vantage for the 2009 model year were more than a mere facelift, with several technological updates introduced for MY2009. Some revisions included upgraded suspension to achieve better body control, a modified clutch and flywheel, improvements to the Sportshift transmission, interior and exterior design revisions and, most notably, heavy modifications to the V8 engine.
2006-2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Orange Rear Angled ViewAston Martin
Aston Martin increased the bore and stroke, increasing the displacement from 4.3 to 4.7 liters. Not only was it larger, but its engine internals were overhauled, including new cylinder liners, a forged steel crankshaft, and forged steel connecting rods, to name a few. Unsurprisingly, these upgrades mean that every model year post-facelift is priced significantly higher than pre-facelift models. The average selling price of the post-facelift V8 Vantage coupe is $55,002, with the final model year having an average selling price of $91,502. That’s why we’re advocating for the 2005 model year as an alternative way to burn nearly $30,000 because of the difference in the driving experience.
A Bona Fide British Muscle Car
2006-2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Lime Rear Angled ViewAston Martin
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Specifications
2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Engine
4.3L NA V8
4.7L NA V8
Horsepower
380 hp @ 7,300 rpm
420 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
307 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
346 lb-ft @ 5,750 rpm
0-62
4.9 seconds
4.7 seconds
Top speed
175 mph
180 mph
For less than the price of a brand-new Mazda Miata, the 2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage commands a higher level of performance, resulting from the use of high-quality materials and a potent powertrain. Its chassis was the second model from the British automaker to utilize its Vertical Horizontal chassis architecture, consisting of aluminum extrusions and precision castings, all held together with aerospace adhesive and self-piercing rivets. Its striking physique consists of a medley of advanced composite materials, steel, and aluminum.
2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe 4.7L NA AM14 V8 EngineBring a Trailer
The powertrain, shrouded by its muscular frame, was equally impressive. The beating heart of the pre-facelift V8 Vantage was a 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine consisting of an aluminum alloy engine block and cylinder heads. It had an impressive mid-range torque, although it wasn’t as quick as it sounded. The soundtrack of the naturally aspirated V8 was vocal and pleasing to the ear. Paired with the sonorous V8 was a six-speed manual transmission connected via a cast aluminum torque tube and carbon fiber prop shaft. It tips the scale at 3,461 lb, and a 49:51 weight distribution resulted in impressive handling and an exciting driving experience.
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As we said, the updates for the 2009 model year resulted in a version of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage that was more powerful and commanded an even greater level of performance. Poise was improved by improving its suspension system, resulting in revised upper damper mounts, stiffer front spring rates, stiffer front lower suspension arm bushes, and Bilstein dampers as standard. Again, being willing to let go of nearly $30,000 allows one to buy a new 2025 Mazda Miata or a used example of an athletic, visually appealing, and classy offering powered by a commendable and vocal V8 power unit.
Sources: Aston Martin, Classic.com, Bring A Trailer.