1999 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · S370 GWU
1999 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 16 Feb 1999. Recorded mileage 66,593 miles. MOT expired on 20 Jun 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 Jun 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,593 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S370 GWU Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 24/07/2024
- 66,593 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 14 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S370 GWU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Mazda Mx-5 (S370 GWU) between May 2022 and July 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 July 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 23 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively damaged significantly reducing structural stren”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.”.
S370 GWU Mileage History
- 28/05/202266,556 mi
- 31/05/202266,557 mi+1 mi
- 22/06/202366,578 mi+21 mi
- 24/07/202466,593 mi+15 mi
Average of roughly 17 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Mazda Mazda MX-5 (NB)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle at all costs. It suffers from severe, progressive structural corrosion that appears to be beyond economical repair, making it unsafe and potentially illegal to maintain regularly.
If you are looking for a NB MX-5, stay away from this specific example. The data shows a clear pattern of ignored corrosion that has escalated from 'advisories' to 'major' and 'dangerous' failures. Structural work on these cars is expensive because the chassis is simple, and once the main structural members are gone, the cost of repair far exceeds the value of the car.
If you must inspect it in person, use a torch to check the inner wheel arches, rear sills, and the area where the battery sits. On this car, the MOT history already confirms these areas are 'excessively corroded'. Do not be fooled by a fresh layer of underseal; the history suggests it was used in an attempt to mask deep-seated rust issues.
The 1.6cc petrol engine is relatively economical to run, typically achieving around 35-40 mpg if driven sensibly. Insurance groups for this model are generally low, and road tax is minimal due to the age and small engine size.
However, the maintenance costs for this specific vehicle will be astronomical due to the required structural welding. A typical annual running cost for fuel, tax, and basic maintenance would be around £900-£1,200, but this does not account for the massive repairs needed to keep it MOTworthy.
Focus entirely on the structural points mentioned. The 2024 MOT failure specifically lists the nearside and offside front vehicle structures as corroded to the point of significantly reducing assembly rigidity. You must also inspect the rear suspension mounting points and the inner sills, which were flagged as major failures.
Check the seat belt anchorages, as the vehicle recorded a major failure here due to significantly reduced strength. Additionally, inspect the brake lines and hoses; the history repeatedly notes corrosion on the brake pipes and ferrule, suggesting the entire braking system is at risk from rust.
While this 1999 Mazda MX-5 shows a relatively low mileage of 66,593 miles, its MOT history reveals a catastrophic level of rust. The most recent 2024 test identified major structural failures in the front and rear suspension mounts, sills, and seat belt anchorages. Despite multiple attempts to underseal the car, the chassis integrity is compromised to the point where it is no longer a viable investment for a road user.
The NB MX-5 is known for mechanical simplicity, but is notorious for poor rust resistance 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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (S370 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as S370GWU.
BMW
R1100
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VAUXHALL
CORSA
YAMAHA
XV1300
VOLVO
C70
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
HONDA
CR-V
TOYOTA
UNKNOWN
BMW
3 SERIES
FORD
ESCORT
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
MAZDA MX-5 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1999 model year cars.
- Front Chassis Rail CorrosionSerious
NB cars can rust badly inside the front chassis rails, sometimes while the outer structure still looks respectable from above.
- Rear Sill and Arch RustSerious
Like the NA, the NB traps moisture around the rear sill sections and arch returns, so rot often starts where it is easy to hide with cosmetic repairs.
- Blocked Hood Drains and Cabin DampModerate
When the soft-top drains block, water can back up into the cabin and accelerate rust in the sills and floor area.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.