MAZDA MX-5 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,017 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
8,017
Avg Mileage
96,676 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 1998 MAZDA MX-5 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 26 years old, 75% of MAZDA MX-5s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,017 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,676 miles.
How does the 1998 MAZDA MX-5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MAZDA MX-5 has 96,676 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MAZDA MX-5?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1998 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1998 MAZDA MX-5 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA MX-5 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96% | 613 | 14,518 mi |
| 2020 | 96% | 329 | 18,739 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 7,343 | 21,631 mi |
| 2018 | 94% | 8,140 | 26,083 mi |
| 2017 | 94% | 8,344 | 31,395 mi |
| 2016 | 91% | 7,859 | 36,898 mi |
| 2015 | 90% | 5,320 | 41,274 mi |
| 2014 | 89% | 5,163 | 41,708 mi |
| 2013 | 87% | 5,549 | 49,091 mi |
| 2012 | 85% | 5,782 | 51,355 mi |
| 2011 | 83% | 6,207 | 56,335 mi |
| 2010 | 83% | 8,571 | 61,066 mi |
| 2009 | 82% | 7,643 | 67,260 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 9,907 | 71,545 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 14,264 | 76,661 mi |
| 2006 | 77% | 11,920 | 78,342 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 6,452 | 78,894 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 6,025 | 83,106 mi |
| 2003 | 75% | 7,845 | 84,391 mi |
| 2002 | 75% | 6,001 | 88,865 mi |
| 2001 | 73% | 4,099 | 95,713 mi |
| 2000 | 73% | 5,716 | 95,771 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 8,535 | 94,916 mi |
| 1998 | 75% | 8,017 | 96,676 mi |
| 1997 | 76% | 5,880 | 95,736 mi |
| 1996 | 76% | 3,588 | 94,755 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 2,206 | 95,892 mi |
| 1994 | 76% | 1,222 | 106,680 mi |
| 1993 | 78% | 1,148 | 108,396 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 1,259 | 115,553 mi |
| 1991 | 78% | 1,798 | 109,861 mi |
| 1990 | 79% | 1,614 | 108,931 mi |
Checking a specific MAZDA MX-5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MAZDA MX-5
The 1998 MAZDA MX-5 is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 8,017 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 96,676 miles at 26 years old, MAZDA MX-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MAZDA MX-5 Fuel Costs
The 1597cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 MAZDA MX-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA MX-5 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA MX-5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 MAZDA MX-5
At 26 years old, the MAZDA MX-5 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 8,017 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 1998 MAZDA MX-5
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+14%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-5%) from 6,496 tests