1996 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · JIB 2024
1996 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 1996. Recorded mileage 32,316 miles. MOT valid until 31 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1996
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 31 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 32,316 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- 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.
JIB 2024 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/03/2026
- 32,316 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
JIB 2024 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 1996 Mazda Mx-5 (JIB 2024) between March 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 March 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: Brakes (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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.
JIB 2024 Mileage History
- 30/03/202330,593 mi
- 02/04/202431,162 mi+569 mi
- 02/04/202431,162 mi
- 19/03/202531,816 mi+654 mi
- 31/03/202632,316 mi+500 mi
Average of roughly 574 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 (NA, late UK cars)
Our database tracks 5 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (JIB2 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as JIB2024.
JAGUAR
XF
AUDI
A1 CITYCARVER 30 TFSI S-A
VAUXHALL
ASTRA ACTIVE
PEUGEOT
3008 EXCLUSIVE HDI
AUDI
A6
BMW
3 SERIES
FIAT
SWIFT ESCAPE C502
BMW
X5 XDRIVE30D M SPORT MHEV AUTO
VOLVO
V50 R-DESIGN D4
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL
SEAT
ARONA
AUDI
RS 4 VORSPRUNG TFSI QUATTRO A
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 1996 model year cars.
- Rear Sill and Inner Arch RustSerious
Late NA shells commonly rot around the rear sill sections ahead of the back wheels, often from the inside out after years of damp and blocked drains.
- Hood Drain and Rain-Rail Water IngressModerate
Blocked drains or an ageing rain rail let water into the cabin and rear cavities, accelerating sill corrosion and leaving carpets damp.
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Hydraulic Fluid Leakage and Pedal FailureModerate
Late Mk1 MX-5 models frequently suffer clutch hydraulic failures due to internal seal degradation and cylinder bore corrosion in the clutch slave cylinder, which is mounted low on the side of the transmission bellhousing exposed to UK road splash. Leaking hydraulic fluid causes a spongy clutch pedal that progressively loses resistance, drops to the floor and fails to disengage the clutch, making 1st and reverse gears almost impossible to engage from a standstill. Because the clutch and brake systems share similar fluid maintenance regimes, dirty moisture-laden DOT 4 fluid accelerates the failure. Replacing the slave cylinder along with a braided flexi-hose and fresh fluid is a standard UK independent repair.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.