Vehicle price comparison
Ford Explorer vs Mazda Miata Transmission prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Ford Explorer transmission cost more?
A used Ford Explorer transmission carries a median asking price of $1,564, which is 88% higher than the Mazda Miata at $834. Supply also plays a role: Ford Explorer has 3,850 priced listings versus 632 for Mazda Miata, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
Grade A (excellent condition) parts make up 96% of Mazda Miata listings compared to 60% for the Ford Explorer, so buyers looking for top-condition units will find more options on the Mazda Miata side.
The Ford Explorer average ($1,821) runs 16% above its median ($1,564), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Our guide covers 11 model years for the Ford Explorer (2015–2025) but only 8 for the Mazda Miata (2016–2025), so the Ford Explorer data reflects a broader range of generations.
The Ford Explorer transmission is interchangeable across 14 model years versus just 10 for the Mazda Miata — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
At Grade A (excellent) condition, the Mazda Miata is 40% cheaper ($834 vs $1,400) — the gap widens compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used transmission
- Match the exact transmission ID stamped on the case — the same vehicle can use different units depending on engine, drivetrain, and gear ratio.
- Ask if the transmission was tested before removal. Fluid color matters: red/pink is healthy, brown or burnt-smelling fluid signals internal wear.
- Confirm whether a torque converter (automatic) or clutch kit (manual) is included. Replacing these separately adds $150–$400.
- Check the warranty: reputable yards offer 30–90 days on transmissions. Avoid any with no warranty at all.
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Transmission
$243 – $5,664 · 3,850 listings
Full price guide
Mazda Miata Transmission
$300 – $2,001 · 632 listings
Common questions
Ford Explorer vs Mazda Miata transmission FAQ
Is a used Ford Explorer transmission cheaper than a Mazda Miata?
Mazda Miata has the lower median by $730 (88%). The Mazda Miata transmission ranges from $300 to $2,001 across 632 listings, while the Ford Explorer ranges from $243 to $5,664 across 3,850 listings.
Can I use a Ford Explorer transmission in a Mazda Miata?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 3,850 priced Ford Explorer listings and 632 priced Mazda Miata listings — 4,482 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Ford Explorer $1,400 vs Mazda Miata $834. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Ford Explorer transmission has 7 trim variants and the Mazda Miata has 2. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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