2003 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · AP53 ERJ
2003 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 30 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 71,571 miles. MOT valid until 26 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Norwich
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,571 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
AP53 ERJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 30/01/2026
- 71,571 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AP53 ERJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mazda Mx-5 (AP53 ERJ) between April 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 30 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits too high (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
AP53 ERJ Mileage History
- 04/04/202360,323 mi
- 04/04/202360,323 mi
- 27/02/202466,989 mi+6,666 mi
- 26/02/202570,698 mi+3,709 mi
- 30/01/202671,571 mi+873 mi
Average of roughly 3,980 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mazda Mazda MX-5 (NB)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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MAZDA MX-5 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Front Chassis Rail CorrosionSerious
NB cars can rust badly inside the front chassis rails, sometimes while the outer structure still looks respectable from above.
- Rear Sill and Arch RustSerious
Like the NA, the NB traps moisture around the rear sill sections and arch returns, so rot often starts where it is easy to hide with cosmetic repairs.
- Blocked Hood Drains and Cabin DampModerate
When the soft-top drains block, water can back up into the cabin and accelerate rust in the sills and floor area.
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