1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · C16 ARR
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 100,211 miles. MOT expired on 30 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 100,211 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- 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.
C16 ARR Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/10/2025
- 100,211 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C16 ARR 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 1997 Mazda Mx-5 (C16 ARR) between September 2024 and October 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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: “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”.
C16 ARR Mileage History
- 09/09/202499,425 mi
- 12/09/202499,431 mi+6 mi
- 02/10/2025100,211 mi+780 mi
- 02/10/2025100,211 mi
Average of roughly 740 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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Known faults for Mazda Mazda MX-5 (NA, late UK cars)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A solid option for a classic roadster, provided you verify the service history. The recent MOT history shows a clean pass with no recorded defects, which is a positive sign for a 1997 model.
When viewing this white MX-5, your primary focus should be on the mechanical upkeep required for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Since the MOT history shows failures in both 2024 and 2025, you should ask the seller for details on what was rectified to achieve the subsequent passes.
Request a detailed service history to complement the MOT records. For a 1.8L Mazda of this era, ensure that timing belt intervals have been respected and that the cooling system has been regularly maintained. Given the high mileage relative to the model average, check for any signs of fluid leaks or suspension wear.
Running costs for this 1839cc petrol MX-5 will be influenced by its age and enthusiast nature. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of a 1.8L engine from the late 90s. Tax and insurance groups for this model vary depending on specific trim and driver profile, but it is generally considered accessible for enthusiasts.
Maintenance costs may be higher than a standard hatchback due to the age of the components. While parts for the MX-5 are widely available, you should budget for periodic replacement of wear items like suspension components and tyres. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £1,100-£1,400.
Based on aggregate data for this model, you must pay close attention to the chassis and bodywork for signs of corrosion, which is a top failure reason for MX-5s. Check the sills, wheel arches, and underbody carefully.
Additionally, inspect the suspension system. Aggregate MOT data identifies suspension arms and coil springs as common failure points. Given that this vehicle has recorded two MOT failures in the last two years, inspect the bushings, dampers, and springs for any signs of perished rubber or sagging. Finally, check the tyre condition and brake components, as these are standard inspection areas.
This 1997 Mazda MX-5 (C16ARR) is a 1.8L petrol model with 100,211 miles recorded at its last MOT in October 2025. While the mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 3,069 miles per year, the most recent MOT pass shows no defects. The vehicle has undergone two MOT tests in the last two years, both resulting in passes after initial failures.
Aggregate data for the Mazda MX-5 shows an 81.4% MOT pass rate, with common issues involving corrosion and suspension components.
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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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 1997 model year cars.
- Rear Sill and Inner Arch RustSerious
Late NA shells commonly rot around the rear sill sections ahead of the back wheels, often from the inside out after years of damp and blocked drains.
- Hood Drain and Rain-Rail Water IngressModerate
Blocked drains or an ageing rain rail let water into the cabin and rear cavities, accelerating sill corrosion and leaving carpets damp.
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Hydraulic Fluid Leakage and Pedal FailureModerate
Late Mk1 MX-5 models frequently suffer clutch hydraulic failures due to internal seal degradation and cylinder bore corrosion in the clutch slave cylinder, which is mounted low on the side of the transmission bellhousing exposed to UK road splash. Leaking hydraulic fluid causes a spongy clutch pedal that progressively loses resistance, drops to the floor and fails to disengage the clutch, making 1st and reverse gears almost impossible to engage from a standstill. Because the clutch and brake systems share similar fluid maintenance regimes, dirty moisture-laden DOT 4 fluid accelerates the failure. Replacing the slave cylinder along with a braided flexi-hose and fresh fluid is a standard UK independent repair.
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