MAZDA MX-5 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,140 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
8,140
Avg Mileage
26,083 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2018 MAZDA MX-5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 6 years old, 94% of MAZDA MX-5s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,140 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 26,083 miles.
How does the 2018 MAZDA MX-5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 MAZDA MX-5 has 26,083 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 sits between the two at 94%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 MAZDA MX-5
The 2018 MAZDA MX-5 is a small family car with a 1496cc petrol engine. 8,140 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 26,083 miles at 6 years old, MAZDA MX-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 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 2018 MAZDA MX-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% 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 2018 MAZDA MX-5
At 6 years old, the MAZDA MX-5 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 8,140 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 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 (2016) 81% pass rate (-13%) from 205,128 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-13%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-7%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-8%) from 100,176 tests