1997 MAZDA MX-51.6L Petrol

The vehicle presents a high level of roadworthiness with a remarkably stable maintenance trend over the last several years. The most recent test conducted in July 2025 at 199,685 miles passed with no defects or advisories recorded. This consistent clean sheet across five consecutive annual tests suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a high standard and that the mechanical and structural components are currently operating within DVSA tolerance parameters. The mileage pattern is consistent with the vehicle's 29-year age, averaging approximately 6,900 miles per year. There is a notable five-year gap in the records between November 2017 and July 2022, during which the car covered only 662 miles. Since 2022, the mileage accumulation has resumed at a steady rate of roughly 2,500 to 3,000 miles per annum. This suggests the car was likely stored for long periods but is now used regularly, which often helps preserve internal components better than low-mileage sitting. Despite the clean MOT history, a buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the structural integrity, as 1997 Mazda MX-5 models are prone to hidden corrosion. While the records do not flag rust, the buyer should examine the sills, inner wings, and floor pans for bubbling paint or structural thinning that a tester might miss. The age of the rubber bushings and hoses is also critical, as these components perish over time regardless of the low annual mileage. Checking for brake fluid leaks and perished coolant lines is essential given the vehicle's age and the periods of stationary use identified in the history.