Mazda MX5 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol3000cc10 years old30 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/wk

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.

Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

77% of MOT tests on Mazda MX5s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,609 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models501st of 539(bottom 8%)

Rank among Mazda models277th of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average-8%(85% avg)

vs Mazda average-4%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,609

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Mazda MX5 had 113,609 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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Mazda MX5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	77%	30	113,609 mi
2012	86%	50	35,968 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,808/year

87%

+10%

BMW 5 Series

2018 · 2998cc Petrol

£2,413/year

91%

+14%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2018 · 2995cc Petrol

£2,413/year

93%

+16%

Mercedes GLC

2016 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,808/year

89%

+12%

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About the 2016 Mazda MX5

The 2016 Mazda MX5 is a large car. Our records list a 3000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 8% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 113,609 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda MX5 owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2016 Mazda MX5 Fuel Costs

The 3000cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2016 Mazda MX5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2016 Mazda MX5

At 10 years old, the Mazda MX5 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. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 10 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 114k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2016 Mazda MX5 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 MX5(2016)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
BMW 3 Series(2014)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808-£150
BMW 5 Series(2018)	91%	£1,958	£200	Grp 30-42	£2,413-£545
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2018)	93%	£1,958	£200	Grp 30-42	£2,413-£545
Mercedes GLC(2016)	89%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808-£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 2016 Mazda MX5

Is the 2016 Mazda MX5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2016 Mazda MX5s ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Mazda MX5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Mazda MX5?

77% of 30 MOT tests on the 2016 Mazda MX5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 501st of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 8%).

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Mazda MX5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Mazda MX5 is 113,609 miles, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.