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MAZDA MX-52018 · 1.5L PETROL

DG03 AUG

Vehicle Insight Summary

Considering this 2018 MAZDA MX-5? It's a PETROL with a 1496cc engine showing 46,123 miles. MOT is valid and it's taxed for the road. View the full DVLA history below.

MOT
Valid
Expires 25/05/2027
Tax
Taxed
Expires 01/08/2026
Fuel
PETROL
Year
2018
Engine
1496cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2026-05-22 at 46,123 miles showed no defects, indicating a stable roadworthiness status. However, prior tests reveal recurring issues with rear brake discs, which were consistently worn, pitted, or scored between 2023 and 2024, though not seriously weakened. A binding caliper was noted in the 2024 test, suggesting potential brake system maintenance needs. The 2024 failure included an over-aimed headlamp, which was resolved by the 2026 pass, showing some improvement but not eliminating the need for closer scrutiny of braking components. The vehicle’s mileage of 46,123 miles at 8 years old equates to roughly 5,765 miles annually, significantly below the UK average for its age. This low usage may reduce wear on high-mileage components but could increase risks of corrosion, fluid degradation, or suspension stiffness from infrequent operation. MOT records show consistent annual testing, with gaps of exactly 12 months between 2023 and 2024, and 2024 and 2025, suggesting a regular maintenance routine. However, the 2024 test at 33,618 miles recorded both a failure and a pass, raising questions about the accuracy of the data or the resolution of prior issues. A buyer should inspect the rear brake discs for continued wear, checking for uneven scoring or thickness variations, and test the brake calipers for binding or uneven pad wear. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be examined for age-related stiffness or cracks, as low mileage may mask gradual degradation. The exhaust system and body panels should be checked for corrosion, particularly around the rear wheel arches, where brake dust accumulation is common. The headlamp aim, though resolved, highlights the importance of verifying all lighting and safety systems during a physical inspection.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

Free vehicle health score

88
/ 100 · Good

Public record health check: Good.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
A score of 88 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for DG03AUG

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked

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Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2026-05-22 at 46,123 miles showed no defects, indicating a stable roadworthiness status. However, prior tests reveal recurring issues with rear brake discs, which were consistently worn, pitted, or scored between 2023 and 2024, though not seriously weakened. A binding caliper was noted in the 2024 test, suggesting potential brake system maintenance needs. The 2024 failure included an over-aimed headlamp, which was resolved by the 2026 pass, showing some improvement but not eliminating the need for closer scrutiny of braking components. The vehicle’s mileage of 46,123 miles at 8 years old equates to roughly 5,765 miles annually, significantly below the UK average for its age. This low usage may reduce wear on high-mileage components but could increase risks of corrosion, fluid degradation, or suspension stiffness from infrequent operation. MOT records show consistent annual testing, with gaps of exactly 12 months between 2023 and 2024, and 2024 and 2025, suggesting a regular maintenance routine. However, the 2024 test at 33,618 miles recorded both a failure and a pass, raising questions about the accuracy of the data or the resolution of prior issues. A buyer should inspect the rear brake discs for continued wear, checking for uneven scoring or thickness variations, and test the brake calipers for binding or uneven pad wear. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be examined for age-related stiffness or cracks, as low mileage may mask gradual degradation. The exhaust system and body panels should be checked for corrosion, particularly around the rear wheel arches, where brake dust accumulation is common. The headlamp aim, though resolved, highlights the importance of verifying all lighting and safety systems during a physical inspection.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

This 2018 Mazda Mx-5 (DG03 AUG) has a recorded MOT history spanning from May 2023 to May 2026, with 5 MOT tests on record.

The vehicle has achieved an overall 80% pass rate, with 4 passes and 1 failure recorded. Such a high pass rate is a positive indicator of the car's general condition and maintenance history.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Brakes (8 issues), Lighting (1 issue). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 8 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide

AI-powered analysis based on real MOT data and market insights.

Buying Score
82/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£900-£1,200
Mileage
At 40,466 miles after just over seven ye...

Our Verdict

This 2018 red Mazda MX-5 looks like a sensible used purchase with a largely clean MOT record. The only blemish is a failed test in May 2024 that was immediately re-tested and passed the same day with no defects logged, suggesting an administrative or non-issue rather than a mechanical fault.

Given the clean MOT history aside from the curious same-day fail-pass in May 2024, ask the seller for clarification on that entry and confirm whether it was a paperwork error or a minor item rectified before re-test. Check for a full service history to support the low annual mileage, as the MX-5 benefits from regular use and fluid changes despite low miles.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — AI-assisted analysis verified by automotive experts.

Data Sources

DVSA

MOT test records from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency.

DVLA

Vehicle registration, tax, and specification data.

OneAutoAPI

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