2008 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · MX52 ANE
2008 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/05/2008. Recorded mileage 83,979 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30/05/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 83,979 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2008
- Engine
- 1798cc
MX52 ANE Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/06/2024
- 83,979 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MX52 ANE Mileage History
- 05/03/202276,920 mi
- 06/04/202381,645 mi+4,725 mi
- 07/04/202381,645 mi
- 01/06/202483,979 mi+2,334 mi
Average of roughly 3,148 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
MX52 ANE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Mazda Mx-5 (MX52 ANE) between March 2022 and June 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 June 2024 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 (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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 excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2008 black Mazda MX-5 is a reasonable buy for a summer roadster enthusiast, but the 2023 brake binding MOT failure means you should verify the braking system has been properly repaired. With a clean recent MOT record and modest annual mileage, it presents as a usable example if priced fairly.
When viewing MX52ANE, ask for evidence that the April 2023 brake binding issue was resolved beyond the retest — invoices for calliper or brake hose work would confirm the fix was more than a quick release. Given the 2022 advisory for slight play in both front anti-roll bar ball joints, check whether these were replaced at subsequent services as they can worsen over time. A full service history for this 1.8-litre petrol MX-5 is valuable; without it, budget for a timing belt and fluid check given the car's age and 84k mileage.
The 1798cc petrol engine in this MX-5 typically returns 35-40 mpg, keeping fuel costs modest for a sports car, while road tax for a 2008 petrol falls in a lower CO2 band than modern equivalents. Insurance groups for the Mk3 MX-5 are generally reasonable, though a black 2008 example may attract slightly higher premiums due to theft appeal. Routine maintenance such as tyres, brakes, and oil changes is affordable, with estimated annual running costs of around £900-£1,200 including fuel, tax, insurance, and upkeep.
The specific MOT failure on 2023-04-06 for near and offside front service brake excessively binding means you must test the brakes for drag or pull, and inspect calipers and flexible hoses for seizure. The 2022 advisory of front anti-roll bar ball joint slight play on both sides should be physically checked for clunking or worn rubbers, as it was noted at 76,920 miles and may have progressed. As a black 2008 convertible, examine the hood for tears, the paint for UV fading, and the sills for rust given the model's age and open-top design.
The vehicle shows 83,979 miles on its 2024 MOT, which is moderate for a 16-year-old convertible. Its MOT history includes one failure in April 2023 for excessively binding front service brakes, which was corrected and passed the next day. More recent tests in 2024 and 2023 (pass) plus a 2022 pass with only minor anti-roll bar play suggest the car has been maintained to a roadworthy standard.
No aggregate MOT reliability data was available for the Mazda MX-5, so assessment is limited to this vehicle's own history.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (MX52 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as MX52ANE.