1998 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · R473 GEV
1998 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 28/05/1998. Recorded mileage 73,761 miles. MOT valid until 03/11/2026. Taxed until 01/12/2026.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03/11/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/12/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 73,761 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1839cc
R473 GEV Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/11/2025
- 73,761 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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R473 GEV Mileage History
- 13/12/202456,320 mi
- 04/11/202573,761 mi+17,441 mi
Average of roughly 19,543 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
R473 GEV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Mazda Mx-5 (R473 GEV) between December 2024 and November 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 21 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are prepared to undertake significant structural metal work. While the mileage is relatively low, the MOT history reveals deep-seated corrosion issues that may require expensive repairs to remain roadworthy.
The primary focus for a buyer must be a thorough structural inspection. The MOT history highlights multiple instances of 'excessive corrosion' in the rear suspension mounting areas and the sills, which are critical structural points. You should have a specialist perform a professional rust check to determine if the sills, rear sub-frame, and front sub-frame are beyond simple surface rust, which may be hidden by the undertrays mentioned in the MOT records.
Check the brake system thoroughly, as the history shows repeated mentions of corroded brake pipes and pitted discs. Ensure the service history is consistent, particularly regarding timing belt changes, which are vital for this 1.8L engine. Given the age and the documented rust issues, negotiate the price significantly downward to account for the inevitable high-cost welding and structural repairs required in the next couple of years.
The 1.8L petrol engine is relatively efficient, likely achieving upwards of 35-40 mpg depending on driving style. As a 1998 vehicle, it falls into a lower tax band, though insurance groups can vary widely based on the driver profile and its status as a convertible.
Maintenance costs for the MX-5 are generally low as parts are plentiful, but you should budget more than average for suspension components due to the observed corrosion. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £1,100-£1,400, covering fuel, tax, and basic preventative maintenance.
Inspect the underside meticulously, specifically the rear sills and the areas where the rear suspension arms bolt to the body. The MOT history has flagged 'excessive corrosion' in these specific areas multiple times, indicating a persistent rust issue. Look for bubbling paint on the bodywork, which often hides structural rot.
Examine the brake lines for any bulging or scaling. The 2024 MOT noted all four brake pipes were corroded; if these haven't been replaced recently, they could fail soon. Additionally, check the front and rear suspension arms for thinning, as these have been noted as corroded in almost every test over the last decade.
This 1998 Mazda MX-5 sits at 73,761 miles, which is below average for its 28-year age. However, the MOT record shows a concerning pattern of escalating corrosion across the sills, sub-frames, and suspension components. While it has passed its recent tests, the frequency of 'major' and 'dangerous' structural failures suggests a vehicle that is nearing the end of its structural life.
The NB generation MX-5 is known for its mechanical simplicity and reliability if kept well-maintained, but is notoriously prone to rust in UK climates.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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