2001 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · FE51 DXT
2001 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 13,811 miles. MOT expired on 07 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 13,811 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- 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.
FE51 DXT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2025
- 13,811 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FE51 DXT 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 2001 Mazda Mx-5 (FE51 DXT) between November 2021 and October 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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.
FE51 DXT Mileage History
- 08/11/202112,227 mi
- 14/10/202212,479 mi+252 mi
- 19/10/202312,951 mi+472 mi
- 16/10/202413,356 mi+405 mi
- 17/10/202513,811 mi+455 mi
Average of roughly 402 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Average
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong recommendation for buyers seeki
Given the exceptionally low mileage, your primary focus should be on components that degrade with age rather than wear. The 2023 MOT advisory regarding tyre cracking suggests the car may have spent long periods stationary; check all rubber bushings, seals, and belts for similar signs of perishing.
Verify the service history to ensure oil and fluids were changed at regular intervals regardless of the low mileage, as stagnant oil can lead to internal engine sludge. Negotiate based on any immediate rubber component replacements required to make the car road-worthy for regular use.
The 1840cc petrol engine is a reliable unit, though fuel economy will be lower than modern equivalents. Insurance costs are typically moderate for this model, and the road tax will fall into a band consistent with 2001 emissions standards.
Maintenance costs for the MX-5 are generally manageable, although parts for older models can vary in availability. Combined with fuel, tax, and insurance, the annual running cost is estimated to be relatively modest for a sports car.
Carefully inspect the chassis, sills, and wheel arches for corrosion. While this specific vehicle has a clean MOT record, corrosion is one of the top failure reasons for the MX-5 across 108,806 analysed vehicles and remains a critical check for any example from this era.
Inspect the tyres for the 'cracking or perishing' noted in the October 2023 MOT to see if they have since been replaced. Additionally, check the headlamps and exhaust system, as these are frequently cited as common failure points in the model's aggregate data.
This silver 2001 Mazda MX-5 presents a rare opportunity with only 13,811 miles recorded at its most recent MOT in October 2025. Its five-year MOT history shows consistent passes, with the only recorded defect being an advisory for perishing tyres in 2023. While it has avoided the common corrosion and exhaust failures seen in the wider model population, its very low usage is the defining characteristic of this vehicle.
The MX-5 maintains a solid aggregate MOT pass rate of 81.6%, though it is frequently prone to corrosion and exhaust system failures.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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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 2001 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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