MAZDA MX-5 (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,859 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
7,859
Avg Mileage
36,898 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,527
Is the 2016 MAZDA MX-5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 8 years old, 91% of MAZDA MX-5s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,859 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,898 miles.
How does the 2016 MAZDA MX-5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 MAZDA MX-5 has 36,898 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2016 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 2016 MAZDA MX-5
The 2016 MAZDA MX-5 is a small family car with a 1496cc petrol engine. 7,859 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 36,898 miles at 8 years old, MAZDA MX-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 MAZDA MX-5 Fuel Costs
The 1496cc 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 2016 MAZDA MX-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,527 (£127/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2016 MAZDA MX-5
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 7,859 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 MAZDA MX-5
The MAZDA MX-5 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2015) 81% pass rate (-10%) from 225,575 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-13%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2014) 80% pass rate (-11%) from 131,119 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-5%) from 100,176 tests