Is the Mazda MX-5 ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 95,463 MOT tests, around 66% of Mazda MX-5s still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 16% are likely to be charged. For the remaining 19%, it depends on the exact Euro standard or month of registration.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 100% petrol. Petrol MX-5s are generally compliant from 2006, while petrol cars from 2000 or earlier are likely to be charged.
- Likely compliant
- 66%
- Likely charged
- 16%
- Depends on the car
- 19%
- MOT tests analysed
- 95,463
Check a specific MX-5
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
MX-5 ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many MX-5s of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Petrol |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Likely compliant1,065 tested |
| 2019 | Likely compliant4,069 tested |
| 2018 | Likely compliant4,267 tested |
| 2017 | Likely compliant4,552 tested |
| 2016 | Likely compliant4,100 tested |
| 2015 | Likely compliant2,968 tested |
| 2014 | Likely compliant2,860 tested |
| 2013 | Likely compliant3,094 tested |
| 2012 | Likely compliant3,099 tested |
| 2011 | Likely compliant3,426 tested |
| 2010 | Likely compliant4,696 tested |
| 2009 | Likely compliant4,233 tested |
| 2008 | Likely compliant5,507 tested |
| 2007 | Likely compliant7,885 tested |
| 2006 | Likely compliant6,769 tested |
| 2005 | Check Euro standard3,603 tested |
| 2004 | Check Euro standard3,701 tested |
| 2003 | Check Euro standard4,648 tested |
| 2002 | Check Euro standard3,600 tested |
| 2001 | Check Euro standard2,176 tested |
| 2000 | Likely charged3,072 tested |
| 1999 | Likely charged3,104 tested |
| 1998 | Likely charged2,788 tested |
| 1997 | Likely charged1,963 tested |
| 1996 | Likely charged1,168 tested |
| 1995 | Likely charged727 tested |
| 1994 | Likely charged398 tested |
| 1993 | Likely charged357 tested |
| 1992 | Likely charged382 tested |
| 1991 | Likely charged601 tested |
| 1990 | Likely charged516 tested |
How ULEZ rules apply to the MX-5
Cars that miss the standard pay £12.50 for each day they're driven in the zone. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006).
- Petrol (100% of MX-5s tested): likely compliant from 2006; 2000 and earlier are likely to be charged.
Thinking of buying one? Check how MX-5s fare at the MOT too: see the Mazda MX-5 MOT failure rate.
Buying a used Mazda MX-5 for London: what the MOT data shows
The Mazda MX-5s in this data were first registered between 1990 and 2020. 2007 was the most common year, with 7,885 tests (8% of the total), and half were registered in 2008 or later.
MX-5s from likely-compliant years passed their MOT first time 79% of the time, at an average of 50,020 miles. Older ones likely to be charged passed 65% of the time with 96,420 miles on average, so a compliant car is usually the more reliable buy as well as the cheaper one to drive in London.
On a budget, the oldest petrol MX-5s likely to comply are from 2006. 6,769 of them were tested; 2006 cars passed first time 65% of the time and averaged 76,486 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
Whichever year you choose, check the MX-5's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were lights and electrics: "not working" (3.5% of tests); suspension: "fractured or broken" (3.2%); brakes: "excessively binding" (2.5%). The most frequent advisory was "in such a condition that it is seriously weakened", on 10.0% of tests.
Overall, 74% of MX-5s passed first time, slightly above the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 63,361 miles on average, fewer than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other Mazda models
About this data
Based on 95,463 first MOT tests of the Mazda MX-5 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
ULEZ results are estimates from fuel type and year of first registration. Transport for London makes the final decision.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
What 95,463 MOT tests say about the Mazda MX-5 and London's ULEZ.
Is the Mazda MX-5 ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 66% of MX-5s on the road are likely compliant and 16% likely to be charged. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006).
Which petrol MX-5 years are ULEZ compliant?
Petrol MX-5s first registered from 2006 are likely compliant. Some earlier cars meet Euro 4 too, so check the exact vehicle.
How can I check if a specific MX-5 is ULEZ compliant?
Enter its registration in our free ULEZ check, which uses the vehicle's DVLA record. Always confirm with TfL before relying on it.
Related guides
- ULEZ · 6 min readULEZ explained: which cars are compliant and what it costsSince August 2023 the ULEZ covers every London borough. Which cars comply, what the daily charge costs if yours doesn't, and what you can do about it.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- Buying a used car · 5 min readUsed car buying checklist: 25 checks before you payA step-by-step checklist for buying a used car, from the checks you can do at home to what to look at on the day and the paperwork you need.Read the guide
Is your MX-5 ULEZ compliant?
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