2003 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · VU03 MUP
2003 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 14 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 79,947 miles. MOT expired on 03 Apr 2025.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Apr 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 79,947 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- 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.
VU03 MUP Key Findings
- 22 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/03/2024
- 79,947 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 14 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (18 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VU03 MUP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
22 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mazda Mx-5 (VU03 MUP) between March 2006 and March 2024.
The record contains 17 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 07 March 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (18 issues), Bodywork (8 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Windscreen (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 33 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 Suspension component insecurely attached subframe mounting bolt broken and missing (5.3.3 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Suspension component insecurely attached subframe mounting bolt broken and missing (5.3.3 (a) (i))”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.
VU03 MUP Mileage History
- 07/03/200624,450 mi
- 20/03/200732,033 mi+7,583 mi
- 01/03/200838,216 mi+6,183 mi
- 28/02/200947,742 mi+9,526 mi
- 07/03/200947,998 mi+256 mi
- 08/04/201056,995 mi+8,997 mi
- 28/03/201165,142 mi+8,147 mi
- 24/05/201266,933 mi+1,791 mi
- 23/04/201367,597 mi+664 mi
- 18/06/201468,564 mi+967 mi
- 26/06/201568,815 mi+251 mi
- 02/07/201568,822 mi+7 mi
- 13/04/201769,951 mi+1,129 mi
- 13/04/201769,951 mi
- 04/04/201873,903 mi+3,952 mi
- 04/03/201975,053 mi+1,150 mi
- 13/03/202075,338 mi+285 mi
- 24/03/202276,013 mi+675 mi
- 05/04/202276,015 mi+2 mi
- 29/03/202376,180 mi+165 mi
- 07/03/202479,947 mi+3,767 mi
- 07/03/202479,947 mi
Average of roughly 3,083 miles per year across 22 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 (NB)
Our database tracks 3 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (VU03 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as VU03MUP.
TOYOTA
AVENSIS
TOYOTA
COROLLA
TOYOTA
CELICA
TOYOTA
RAV4
PEUGEOT
106
VOLKSWAGEN
BORA
VOLKSWAGEN
BORA
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
VOLKSWAGEN
BORA
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
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 2003 model year cars.
- Front Chassis Rail CorrosionSerious
NB cars can rust badly inside the front chassis rails, sometimes while the outer structure still looks respectable from above.
- Rear Sill and Arch RustSerious
Like the NA, the NB traps moisture around the rear sill sections and arch returns, so rot often starts where it is easy to hide with cosmetic repairs.
- Blocked Hood Drains and Cabin DampModerate
When the soft-top drains block, water can back up into the cabin and accelerate rust in the sills and floor area.
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.