1995 Mazda MX-5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Mazda MX-5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Mazda MX-5 than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Sub-frame3.7× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  7.1% All 1995 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  8.9% All 1995 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 4.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Suspension arm3.3× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  5.6% All 1995 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.2× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  4.3% All 1995 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1995 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Mazda MX-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  31% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  31% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Lights and electrics
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  15% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Mazda MX-5

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1995 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1995 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1995 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?