2008 Mazda MX-5 · 18,616 MOT tests
2008 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2008 Mazda MX-5s fail 29% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 24 MX-5 years (18,616 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 29%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 65,252
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 18,616
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 14.2% of tests fail here (8% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Suspension14.2%
- Lights and electrics7.7%
- Brakes7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Tyres3.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.2%
- Body, chassis and structure2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.96%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Service brake excessively binding 2.88%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.11%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 1.94%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.43%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.42%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (8.81%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.51%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.41%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (6.55%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.08%) · Service brake slightly binding (4.85%)
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 2008 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2008 Mazda MX-5s fail 29% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 24 MX-5 years (18,616 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.96% of tests), service brake excessively binding (2.88% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.11% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mazda MX-5 shows 65,252 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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