1996 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · P952 AWY
1996 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 114,256 km. MOT expired on 05 Jan 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Jan 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Odometer
- 114,256 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- 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.
P952 AWY Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/01/2023
- 114,256 km recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P952 AWY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Mazda Mx-5 (P952 AWY) between January 2023 and January 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 06 January 2023 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 (10 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
P952 AWY Odometer History
- 05/01/2023114,253 mi
- 06/01/2023114,256 km
Average of roughly 1,236 km per year across 2 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 (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: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While this is a de
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The MOT records from both 2021 and 2023 highlight issues with brake binding, worn/pitted discs, and marginal parking brake efficiency. You should verify if these were permanently rectified or merely patched to pass the test.
Check the service history for any evidence of steering rack refurbishment or seal replacements, as seepage was noted in the 2023 record and a leak was recorded in 2021. Given the age of the vehicle, ensure all fluids have been changed recently and check for any signs of the corrosion that commonly affects this model range.
The 1600cc petrol engine is generally economical for its era, though modern fuel efficiency standards will not apply. Insurance for the MX-5 is typically reasonable, but maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age can be unpredictable, particularly regarding rubber components and seals.
Annual costs will be driven by fuel, road tax, and the necessity for preventative maintenance to avoid the recurring brake and steering issues seen in the history. Typical annual running costs are estimated to be moderate for a classic roadster.
Carefully inspect the brake discs and pads for pitting, scoring, and corrosion, as these were specifically flagged in the 2021 and 2023 MOTs. Test the brakes for any sign of binding, particularly on the offside rear, and ensure the parking brake holds firmly on an incline.
Examine the steering rack and its gaiters; the 2023 test noted seepage and a missing nearside front gaiter. Finally, check the bodywork and chassis for corrosion, as aggregate data identifies this as a top failure reason for the MX-5 model.
This blue 1996 Mazda MX-5 has a recorded mileage of 114,256 miles as of January 2023. The MOT history is characterised by repeated failures and advisories regarding brake efficiency, binding brakes, and steering rack seepage. It represents a typical example of a 30-year-old vehicle where wear-and-tear components are reaching the end of their service life.
The MX-5 maintains a solid aggregate MOT pass rate of 81.5%, though it is prone to corrosion and coil spring failures over time.
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 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.
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