1996 Mazda MX-5: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

1 build left the factory as a 1996 MX-5, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 1 main configurations
  • 712 vehicles built
  • 6 for sale right now

Which MX-5 is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your MX-5

Will it hold value?

A MX-5 typically keeps about 76% of its price over 5 years — a 5-year-old one runs about $12,500 today.

MX-5 depreciation by year →
Cost to run

19/26 mpg city/highway. Roughly $2,110/yr on fuel at 15,000 miles.

EPA estimate for the 1996 MX-5

What JM1NA353-T means

JM1 NA353 · T
JM1
the World Manufacturer Identifier Mazda registered — assembled in Japan
NA353
together encode the MX-5 line — Convertible — as Mazda filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
T
in position 10 — model year 1996
9, 11–17
vehicle-specific fields: check digit, plant code and production sequence

Already looking at a specific MX-5?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.