1998 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · S522 JGT
1998 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 15/08/1998. Recorded mileage 101,194 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02/03/2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 101,194 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1840cc
S522 JGT Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/03/2023
- 101,194 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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S522 JGT Mileage History
- 25/02/202299,809 mi
- 03/03/2023101,194 mi+1,385 mi
Average of roughly 1,364 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
S522 JGT 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 (S522 JGT) between February 2022 and March 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution. While the MX-5 is a classic roadster, this example shows a history of significant structural corrosion that may make it a high-risk purchase.
The primary focus for this vehicle is a thorough structural inspection. Given the history of 'excessive corrosion' on the offside integral body structure and rear panels, you must have a specialist welder or rust-inspector inspect the sills, inner wings, and rear arches to ensure the previous repairs were sound and that new rust is not currently progressing.\n Check the full service history, specifically looking for regular oil changes as the 1.8L engine is reliable but sensitive to maintenance. Ask if the timing belt has ever been replaced, as this is a critical maintenance item for this model at 100,000 miles to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
The 1840cc engine is relatively efficient for a sports car, likely delivering around 30-35 mpg if driven sensibly. Tax falls into a moderate band, and insurance groups can vary significantly based on the driver's age and profile.\n\nMaintenance costs are generally low as parts are plentiful, but you should budget for aging suspension components. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,200-£1,500, including fuel, tax, and routine servicing.
Pay close attention to the underside and wheel arch areas. The MOT history shows major failures for corrosion near the body mounting outer sill and offside rear body panels. Look for bubbling paint, flaky metal, or fresh filler which might hide ongoing rust or poorly repaired.\n\nExamine the brake lines thoroughly; the vehicle failed for corroded rear brake pipes in 2018 and 2021. Ensure these have been replaced with copper or coated steel lines. Also, check the handbrake performance, as it has been noted for low effort in previous advisories.
This 1998 Mazda MX-5 has covered over 101,000 miles and exhibits a recurring pattern of rustrelated issues. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the historical data reveals major structural failures related to chassis and body panel corrosion. The mileage is above-average for a 28-year-old vehicle, suggesting it has been a regularly used rather than a kept-kept show car.
The NB-generation MX-5 is known for its mechanical simplicity and robust engine, provided the bodywork is kept free from structural rust.
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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