1997 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · J213 JOU
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 23 Jun 1997. Recorded mileage 143,160 miles. MOT expired on 05 Sept 2023. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Sept 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 143,160 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.
J213 JOU Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 16/09/2026
- 143,160 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
J213 JOU 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 (J213 JOU) between June 2022 and September 2026.
The record contains 1 pass and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 16 September 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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: “Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Both chassis rails a”; “Offside Rear Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner sill (7.1.1 (a”; “Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecurely attached (5.3.3 (a) (i))”.
J213 JOU Mileage History
- 14/06/2022142,493 mi
- 02/09/2022142,505 mi+12 mi
- 07/09/2022142,505 mi
- 16/09/2026143,160 mi+655 mi
Average of roughly 157 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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
Exercise extreme caution. This vehicle h
The most critical priority is to verify the current MOT status and why the vehicle has not been tested since 2022. You should request a full service history to see if the oil leak noted in the September 2022 MOT was ever professionally addressed. Negotiate the price based on the likely cost of bringing the vehicle back to a roadworthy standard after a multi-year hiatus.
Given the age of this 1992/1997 model, pay close attention to the chassis. While the 1.6L engine is a known quantity, the lack of recent data means you are buying into an unknown mechanical state. Ensure any purchase is contingent on a fresh MOT pass and a professional mechanical inspection.
The 1598cc petrol engine offers modest fuel economy typical of early 90s roadsters. Tax and insurance will be relatively low due to the vehicle's age and engine size, though insurance costs can vary based on the car's classification as a classic.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle with over 142,000 miles are likely to be higher than average. Expect to budget for wear-and-tear items such as suspension bushings, seals, and exhaust components, which are common failure points for this model.
Focus your inspection on the offside rear shock absorber and the engine bay for oil leaks, both of which were specifically flagged in the 2022 MOT records. Test every external light and the horn, as the vehicle failed multiple times on these electrical points in 2022.
Referencing aggregate model data, carefully inspect the sills, wheel arches, and floor pan for corrosion, and check the exhaust system for holes or excessive rust. These are the top failure reasons for the MX-5 across the wider dataset and are highly likely to affect a vehicle of this vintage.
This red Mazda MX-5 with a 1598cc engine has recorded 142,505 miles. The available MOT data ends in 2022, leaving a significant gap in the vehicle's legal roadworthiness record. The final recorded tests in 2022 were marked by multiple failures involving electrical components and suspension leaks.
The MX-5 has an average MOT pass rate of 81.6%, with corrosion and exhaust issues being the most frequent causes of failure.
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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