2004 Mazda MX-5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mazda MX-5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mazda MX-5 than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rust in key structural areas5.4× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  7.5% All 2004 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm2.7× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  9.5% All 2004 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.8× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  8.3% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.9% of all 2004 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 damage2.3× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  8.3% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.1% of all 2004 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 mountings1.7× usual
  Mazda MX-5

  10.5% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% 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
  35% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  22% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2004 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2004 Mazda MX-5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?