Mazda 323 5 speed vs Mazda Mx-5: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda 323 5 speed
63%
MOT pass rate · 15,237 vehicles
Mazda Mx-5
77%
MOT pass rate · 162,634 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mazda 323 5 speed (63%) and Mazda Mx-5 (77%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 323 5 speed | Mazda Mx-5 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 63% | 77% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 37% | 23% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.3 | 1.8 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% ✓ | 1% |
| Average mileage | 56,437 mi | 90,085 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 15,237 | 162,634 |
Most common faults
Mazda 323 5 speed
- Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
- Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
- Oil leak
- Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)
- Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)
Mazda Mx-5
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Mazda 323 5 speed (63%) and Mazda Mx-5 (77%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Mazda 323 5 speed report Full Mazda Mx-5 report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.