1994 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · L448 FPH
1994 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 29 Jun 1994. Recorded mileage 155,336 miles. MOT expired on 29 Jul 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1994 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Jul 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 155,336 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.
L448 FPH Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/07/2025
- 155,336 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
L448 FPH 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 1994 Mazda Mx-5 (L448 FPH) between July 2023 and July 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 31 July 2025 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 (5 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 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: “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure and impairing directional stability (5.3.3 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure and impairing directional stability (5.3.3 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure and impairing directional stability (5.3.3 (a) (ii))”.
L448 FPH Mileage History
- 26/07/2023130,926 mi
- 22/07/2024140,777 mi+9,851 mi
- 31/07/2024140,788 mi+11 mi
- 25/07/2025155,128 mi+14,340 mi
- 31/07/2025155,336 mi+208 mi
Average of roughly 12,109 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, early UK cars)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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 (L448 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as L448FPH.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
BENTLEY
CONTINENTAL
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
SUZUKI
RG
TOYOTA
MR2
VOLVO
400 SERIES
LAMBORGHINI
DIABLO VT
TOYOTA
HILUX
SAAB
900
PEUGEOT
405
DAIHATSU
FOURTRAK
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 1994 model year cars.
- Hydraulic Clutch Slave Cylinder Fluid Leak and FailureModerate
The hydraulic clutch slave cylinder on the MX-5 NA is located on the lower driver-side of the transmission bellhousing, where it is exposed to road grime, water spray, and heat soak from the exhaust downpipe. Over time, the internal rubber hydraulic piston seal degrades, allowing brake/clutch fluid to leak past the pushrod into the protective rubber dust boot. As hydraulic fluid is lost, the clutch pedal becomes spongy and gradually loses pressure until it drops flat to the floorboard, leaving the driver unable to disengage the clutch or select gears. Fortunately, the slave cylinder is cheap and straightforward to replace.
- Rear Sill Cavity and Drain Hole Structural CorrosionSerious
Corrosion in the rear sills and lower wheel arches is the single most common cause of structural failure on early Mk1 MX-5s in the UK. Rainwater flowing off the folding soft-top collects in a plastic rain rail channel that directs water into two internal drain tubes located behind the seatbelt towers, discharging through the lower sills. In the UK, pine needles, leaves, and road dirt clog these tubes. Trapped water overflows into the enclosed rear sill cavities, where it sits against bare internal steel, rotting the structural sills and rear wheel arch seams from the inside out. Decent-looking exterior paint often conceals crumbling structural rot.
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.