2012 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · KU12 XYL
2012 Mazda MX-5 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 125,401 miles. MOT valid until 18 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Northampton
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 125,401 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
KU12 XYL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/05/2026
- 125,401 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KU12 XYL 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 2012 Mazda Mx-5 (KU12 XYL) between May 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 20 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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: “Offside Front Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage likely to become detached (5.3.3 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
KU12 XYL Mileage History
- 29/05/2024120,060 mi
- 03/06/2024120,101 mi+41 mi
- 17/06/2025124,048 mi+3,947 mi
- 18/06/2025124,048 mi
- 20/05/2026125,401 mi+1,353 mi
Average of roughly 2,706 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 (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.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to persistent and widespread structural corrosion. While the car currently holds a valid MOT, the long list of advisories regarding the sub-frames and body structure suggests that significant repair costs are on the horizon.
When viewing this vehicle, you must prioritise a professional inspection of the underside. The 2026 MOT report explicitly notes corrosion on both front and rear sub-frames, as well as the integral body structure and suspension mounting points. While these are currently flagged as 'not seriously weakened', they are clear indicators that the car is entering a phase where metal fatigue and rust will require expensive professional welding or component replacement.
Negotiate the price heavily based on the imminent need for brake disc replacements, which have been flagged as pitted and scored for multiple years. You should also verify if the suspension bushes and anti-roll bar pins have ever been replaced, as these have been a recurring advisory item. A full service history is essential to determine if the engine has been maintained as well as the chassis has been neglected.
As a 2.0L petrol model, this MX-5 falls into a higher tax bracket and will return moderate fuel economy, typically ranging between 30-35 mpg depending on driving style. Insurance for a 14-year-old sports car can vary, but the high mileage may help keep premiums slightly lower than a low-mileage equivalent.
Maintenance costs are the primary concern here. Beyond standard consumables like tyres and oil, you should budget for an immediate suspension refresh and potential rust treatment. Including fuel, tax, insurance, and a contingency fund for the inevitable suspension and body repairs, you should expect annual running costs to exceed £1,800–£2,200.
Focus your inspection on the underside of the vehicle. Use a torch to check the sub-frames and the 'prescribed areas' for suspension mountings mentioned in the 2026 MOT. If you see flaking rust or evidence of previous 'patch' repairs, walk away. Check the condition of the brake discs, as the MOT history confirms they have been deteriorating for some time.
Test drive the car specifically to listen for clunks from the suspension, as the anti-roll bar bushes and linkages have been flagged repeatedly. Ensure the roof operates smoothly and check the interior carpets for dampness, as blocked drainage channels are a common issue on this generation of MX-5 that can lead to further hidden floor-pan corrosion.
This 2012 Mazda MX-5 2.0L has covered 125,401 miles, which is significantly above the average for its age. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history is heavily populated with warnings regarding corrosion to the sub-frames, suspension mountings, and the integral body structure. Prospective buyers should view this vehicle as a project car rather than a reliable daily driver, given the recurring need for suspension and brake-related maintenance.
While the MX-5 is generally regarded as a robust sports car, the NC generation is known to be susceptible to underbody corrosion if not regularly treated, as evidenced by this vehicle's MOT record.
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
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 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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