1996 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · P952 AWY
1996 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01/08/1996. Recorded mileage 114,256 km. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/01/2024
- 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
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1996
- Engine
- 1600cc
P952 AWY Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/01/2023
- 114,256 km recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (16 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
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P952 AWY Odometer History
- 14/09/2021107,169 km
- 14/09/2021107,171 mi
- 05/01/2023114,253 mi+7,082 mi
- 06/01/2023114,256 km
Average of roughly 5,404 km per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
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.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Mazda Mx-5 (P952 AWY) between September 2021 and January 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 January 2023 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: Brakes (16 issues), Lighting (10 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 25 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))”.
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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