2000 · 24 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2000 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,660 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 61.5% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,660 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits6.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.5%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.7%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.6%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  9. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.3%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks23.8%
  2. Lights & electrics20.2%
  3. Brakes19.6%
  4. Suspension12.0%
  5. Body & chassis6.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.2%
  8. Tyres2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.4%
  3. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened10.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.5%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2000 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 63.2% of 2000 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,660 tests. The average for all 24-year-old cars was 61.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2000 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2000 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).