2003 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · FH53 SNZ
2003 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 22/12/2003. Recorded mileage 70,716 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/06/2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Nottingham
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07/09/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/06/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 70,716 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 1839cc
FH53 SNZ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/09/2025
- 70,716 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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FH53 SNZ Mileage History
- 28/06/202259,127 mi
- 28/07/202364,617 mi+5,490 mi
- 26/07/202468,222 mi+3,605 mi
- 26/07/202468,222 mi
- 09/09/202570,716 mi+2,494 mi
Average of roughly 3,621 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
FH53 SNZ 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 (FH53 SNZ) between June 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 September 2025 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: Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
If you are considering this MX-5, your primary focus must be on the extent of the corrosion mentioned in the 2023 and 2024 MOT tests. Specifically, the 2024 record noted corrosion on the front subframe mounting area. You should verify if any structural welding or significant repairs have been carried out to address these points.
Negotiate based on the recurring nature of the oil leak, which has appeared in every MOT record from 2022 through 2025. Ask for evidence of recent mechanical work to address the 'not excessive' oil leak and the corroded coil springs noted in the most recent September 2025 test. Ensure the tyres are not just legal, but have sufficient tread depth, given the recent advisory for a worn offside rear tyre.
As a 1.8L petrol roadster, running costs will be moderate. Fuel economy for this era of MX-5 is typically average for a sports car, and you should check the specific insurance group, which can vary based on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs may be higher than expected due to the age of the vehicle; the MOT history suggests frequent attention is required for suspension components, brakes (corroded pipes/hoses), and tyres. Expect to budget for regular underside inspections and potential replacement of rubber components and suspension parts.
A thorough inspection of the underside is mandatory. The MOT history shows a long-term trend of 'under body corroded' and 'anti-roll bar linkage corroded' dating back to 2022. Pay close attention to the front subframe mounting areas and the rear suspension components to ensure the corrosion noted in 2024 has not progressed.
Check the brake system carefully, as previous tests flagged corroded brake pipes and hoses. Additionally, look for signs of the oil leak mentioned in the 2025 record to identify the source, whether it is a gasket or a seal. Finally, inspect the condition of the coil springs, as the most recent test identified a corroded rear coil spring.
This 2003 Mazda MX-5 (FH53SNZ) is a 1.8L petrol model with 70,716 miles recorded at its last MOT. While the mileage is lower than the model average of 3,067 miles per year, the vehicle shows a consistent pattern of corrosion across the underbody, subframe, and suspension components. Recent records also indicate ongoing oil leaks and tyre wear issues.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.5% MOT pass rate, with corrosion, coil springs, and exhaust issues being the most common failure reasons.
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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