2005 Mazda MX-5 · 12,214 MOT tests
2005 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2005 Mazda MX-5s fail 36.4% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 24 MX-5 years (12,214 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 36.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 73,927
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 12,214
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.7% of tests fail here (112% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 57% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.4%
- Brakes12.1%
- Lights and electrics11.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.9%
- Body, chassis and structure6.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Seat belts and airbags4.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.55%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.44%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.17%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.7%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Service brake excessively binding 2.52%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.49%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (9.02%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.11%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.93%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.53%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.38%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.37%)
Other years
Every Mazda MX-5 year
The full picture: Mazda MX-5 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda MX-5, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2005 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2005 Mazda MX-5s fail 36.4% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 24 MX-5 years (12,214 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.55% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (3.44% of tests), position lamp not working (3.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 Mazda MX-5 shows 73,927 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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