2003 Mazda MX-5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mazda MX-5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mazda MX-5 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm3.4× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  11% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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.

• Rust in key structural areas4.7× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  7% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Body structure rust or damage2.4× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  7.4% All 2003 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Chassis rust or damage2.2× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  7.9% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.6× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  10.2% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2003 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mazda MX-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  22% 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
  21% 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
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 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 suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2003 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2003 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?