MAZDA MX-5 (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,549 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1800cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2047/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1800cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 13 years old, 87% of MAZDA MX-5s from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,549 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 49,091 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,091
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 MAZDA MX-5 has 49,091 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2013 sits between the two at 87%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2013 MAZDA MX-5
The 2013 MAZDA MX-5 is a family car with a 1800cc petrol engine. 5,549 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 49,091 miles at 13 years old, MAZDA MX-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2013 MAZDA MX-5 Fuel Costs
The 1800cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2013 MAZDA MX-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2013 MAZDA MX-5
At 13 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 5,549 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2013 MAZDA MX-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 13 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2013 MAZDA MX-5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA MX-5(2013) | 87% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£325 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2015) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£475 |
| VAUXHALL MOKKA(2015) | 79% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£325 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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