2008 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · K407 CBU
2008 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Jun 2008. Recorded mileage 167,162 km. MOT valid until 25 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Borehamwood
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Odometer
- 167,162 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (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.
K407 CBU Key Findings
- 21 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/04/2026
- 167,162 km recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
K407 CBU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
21 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Mazda Mx-5 (K407 CBU) between May 2008 and April 2026.
The record contains 15 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 27 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (13 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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: “Horn not working (7.7 (a))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”.
K407 CBU Odometer History
- 29/05/2008114,051 km
- 08/06/2009120,764 mi
- 28/05/2010128,893 km
- 27/03/2013131,565 km+2,672 km
- 27/03/2013131,565 km
- 27/03/2014137,266 mi
- 28/03/2015142,010 mi+4,744 mi
- 30/03/2015142,010 mi
- 29/03/2016145,960 mi+3,950 mi
- 30/03/2016145,960 mi
- 27/02/2017147,634 mi+1,674 mi
- 11/05/2018147,666 mi+32 mi
- 07/05/2019148,102 mi+436 mi
- 10/05/2019148,102 mi
- 29/03/2022149,716 mi+1,614 mi
- 11/04/2023155,900 km
- 18/04/2023155,919 km+19 km
- 16/04/2024158,964 km+3,045 km
- 20/04/2024159,068 km+104 km
- 09/04/2025162,851 km+3,783 km
- 27/04/2026167,162 km+4,311 km
Average of roughly 2,965 km per year across 21 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 (NC)
Our database tracks 4 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution but this is a relat
Given the age and mileage of this 1.6L MX-5, your primary focus should be on structural integrity. While the 2023 MOT noted the vehicle has underseal, you should still inspect the sills, floor pans, and suspension mounting points for any signs of corrosion, which is a top failure reason for this model according to aggregate data.
Check the power steering system thoroughly. The 2024 MOT recorded slight seepage from a front power steering component; although the 2025 and 2026 tests passed with no defects, you should verify that the leak has been fully rectified and that the fluid levels remain stable. Additionally, ensure the horn is fully operational, as this was a recorded failure in April 2024.
As a 1.6L petrol vehicle from 1993, running costs are relatively predictable. Fuel economy will depend heavily on driving style, but the 1590cc engine is generally efficient for a sports car of this era. Tax and insurance groups for early MX-5s are typically moderate, though insurance can vary significantly based on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age often include more frequent component replacements due to wear and tear. Expect to budget for regular servicing of the cooling system and suspension components. The estimated annual running cost is moderate, primarily driven by fuel and preventative maintenance.
Specifically inspect the power steering assembly. The MOT history shows a history of 'slight seepage' in the front power steering component during the 2024 test cycle. Look for any oily residue around the steering rack or hoses during your physical inspection.
Because 'corrosion' is a top failure reason for the MX-5 model aggregate, do not rely solely on the 'undersealed' note from the 2023 MOT. Inspect the underside of the car, particularly around the wheel arches and subframes, to ensure the underseal is intact and hasn't masked any active rust. Finally, test all electrical components, including the horn, to ensure the 2024 failure has been permanently resolved.
This 1993 Mazda MX-5 (K407CBU) is a high-mileage example with 167,162 miles recorded at its last MOT in April 2026. While the model aggregate data shows high mileage is common for older cars, this specific vehicle has seen several years of consistent use. The MOT history shows a recent period of clean passes following a failure in 2024 related to the horn and power steering seepage.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.6% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being the exhaust, corrosion, and headlamps.
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 2008 model year cars.
- Rear Sill and Arch CorrosionSerious
Road salt and trapped moisture cause the metal to rot from the inside out.
- Ignition Coil and Spark Plug MisfireModerate
The NC MX-5 is prone to misfires caused by deterioration of the thin wiring to the ignition coils, which leads to coil failure. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation under acceleration and the engine management light. The fix is typically new coils and plugs.
- Soft-Top Window Hazing and Water IngressModerate
The plastic rear window on the soft-top can haze or craze with age, reducing rear visibility. More seriously, the roof seals and rain rails can fail, letting water into the cabin and accelerating sill corrosion from the inside.
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