MX-5 Miata Dominates in Five-Year Affordability

BRUNSWICK, MAINE (02/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Owning a vehicle means more than simply buying one; it also means keeping up with service appointments, making necessary repairs and shelling out the money for fuel every week. While sports cars are not typically thought of as having low operating costs, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata, currently available at Mazda dealerships, recently took home a 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Award in its segment from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

The inaugural Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Ownership Awards recognize the vehicle in each class that is most affordable during the initial five years of ownership. For the 2012 awards, vehicles from 21 market segments were analyzed in eight areas of cost: fair purchase price, projected depreciation, financing costs, insurance costs, state fees, anticipated fuel costs, scheduled maintenance costs and repair costs.

"A sports car doesn't have to put a hole in your wallet at every turn, and the Miata shows one can actually be a surprisingly good long-term investment," said Jeanette Downing, general manager of Goodwin Mazda, a Brunswick, Maine Mazda dealership. "A car that's so much fun to drive shouldn't be a financial burden, and the Miata saves its owners thousands over its lifetime in comparison to the competition."

The Mazda MX-5 Miata grabbed the attention of kbb.com for not only having the best fair purchase price in the Sports Car category, but also dominating in every other assessment criterion. Mazda added standard Dynamic Stability Control on the 2012 MX-5, which likely contributed to the $1,500 in projected depreciation savings that the vehicle offers compared to others in its class. Overall, 2012 Miata owners should expect to pay $42,602 during the first five years of ownership, which is $4,200 less than they would pay for its closest competitor, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata churns out 167 horsepower, but still nets drivers up to 28 mpg on the highway. An optional Suspension Package adds sport-tuned springs and Bilstein shock absorbers to enhance the sports car's handling on Touring and Grand Touring models. For all of its performance-oriented properties, however, the Miata does not lack in safety. Along with its new Dynamic Stability Control, the roadster is equipped with standard anti-lock brakes and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Mazda unveiled its 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show in early February. With only 450 units available for purchase in the United States later this month, the MX-5 Miata Special Edition will feature Mazda's Suspension Package, an all-new black Power Retractable Hard Top, 17-inch Gunmetal aluminum alloy wheels and black leather heated seats with contrasting gray stitching. Also included is the automaker's Premium Package, which adds Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, xenon headlights, keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm.

"The Miata is a roadster that wholly encompasses Mazda's 'Zoom Zoom' philosophy, and the Special Edition expresses that in an even sleeker package," added Downing. "The funny thing is that even as a top-of-the-line Special Edition model, the MX-5 Miata still costs much less than most standard sports cars. Still, its components and handling can compete with the very best."

About Goodwin Mazda:

A part of the Goodwin Motor Group that has been serving area car buyers for over 80 years, Goodwin Mazda prides itself on being the top destination for Maine Mazda buyers in Brunswick, Lewiston and Portland, Maine. Family owned and operated, Goodwin Mazda is dedicated to carrying on the Goodwin tradition of excellence in all areas of automotive service, sales and maintenance. Stop by their Brunswick, Maine Mazda dealership at 195 Pleasant Street, call them at 207-729-1611, browse their online inventory at www.goodwinmazdame.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletMazda.