Mazda MX-5 (2019)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,343 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,853
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1496cc Petrol
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £1,853/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mazda brand average of 81%.
95% of MOT tests on Mazda MX-5s from 2019 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 5 years old. That's based on 7,343 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 21,631 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
21,631
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2019 Mazda MX-5 had 21,631 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2019 scores 95%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 2019 Mazda MX-5
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 is a small family car. Our records list a 1496cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,343 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2019 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 21,631 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda MX-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2019 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2019 Mazda MX-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,853 (£154/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Mazda MX-5 Reliability Trend
Newer Mazda MX-5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2019 Mazda MX-5
At 7 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 7,343 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2019 Mazda MX-5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5(2019) | 95% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853 |
| Ford Fiesta(2018) | 90% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630-£223 |
| Ford Focus(2017) | 89% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £2,003+£150 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2017) | 86% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780-£73 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2017) | 82% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2019 Mazda MX-5
Is the 2019 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 95% of MOT tests on 2019 Mazda MX-5s ended in a pass, from 7,343 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2019 Mazda MX-5 cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,853 a year (£154 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2019 Mazda MX-5?
95% of 7,343 MOT tests on the 2019 Mazda MX-5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 191st of 1,380 models first registered in 2019 (top 14%).
Which year Mazda MX-5 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2001 the lowest at 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2019 Mazda MX-5?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2019 Mazda MX-5 is 21,631 miles, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
Mazda 2
2010 · 1349cc Petrol
Mazda 3
2015 · 1998cc Petrol
Mazda CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2018 · 998cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2017 · 1596cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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