1998 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · S788 JDP

The most recent MOT test on 18 October 2021 at 104,227 miles returned a pass with no defects recorded, confirming the vehicle held a valid roadworthiness certificate at that date. Maintenance trend reads stable across the five logged tests from May 2019 to October 2021, as none list mechanical advisories. The failures logged on 13 September 2021 at 104,224 miles and 7 September 2020 at 101,239 miles show no defects either. Both were followed by passes within weeks at virtually identical mileages, indicating procedural or minor non-mechanical causes rather than escalating wear. Mileage accumulation relative to the 1998 build date shows light use. The record opens with a pass at 91,236 miles on 29 May 2019. By 17 September 2020 the odometer read 101,245 miles, a 10,009-mile gain over sixteen months. The final test added only 2,982 miles across the next thirteen months. Overall averaged roughly 3,722 miles per year, low for a near three-decade-old car. Sparse entries and zero advisories imply infrequent but consistent testing, while the rapid retest after each fail with under six miles travelled suggests previous owners addressed whatever halted the examination promptly. A buyer must still commission a hands-on inspection of age-sensitive components the MOT omitted. The tester flagged no suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, binding calipers, or exhaust emissions faults, yet a 1998 MX-5 convertible faces inherent structural integrity risks from corrosion in sills, floor pans, and subframe mounts. The lack of recorded defects on failing tests warrants verification of certificate authenticity and a thorough underbody survey for hidden rust. Standing periods implied by low annual mileage accelerate perishing of rubber components and fluid degradation absent from MOT scope. Examine tyre sidewalls, wiper blades, coolant, brake fluid, and cambelt condition. The clean defect log and quick fail-to-pass turnarounds suggest careful keepers, but physical verification of structural and mechanical health remains essential before purchase.