1997 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · J27 AMX
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 152,433 miles. MOT expired on 23 Jun 2026.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Jun 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 152,433 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.
J27 AMX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/06/2025
- 152,433 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
J27 AMX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Mazda Mx-5 (J27 AMX) between May 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 June 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
J27 AMX Mileage History
- 05/05/2022143,909 mi
- 09/05/2022143,921 mi+12 mi
- 03/05/2023148,829 mi+4,908 mi
- 02/05/2024150,595 mi+1,766 mi
- 24/06/2025152,433 mi+1,838 mi
Average of roughly 2,716 miles per year across 5 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 (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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (J27A Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as J27AMX.
MINI
ONE
VOLVO
XC90 MOMENTUM B5 MHEV AWD AUTO
LEXUS
RC
CITROEN
BERLINGO 950 EN-PRISE BLUEHDI
JAGUAR
XE R-DYNAMIC SE D MHEV AUTO
SEAT
ARONA
VOLVO
XC60 MOMENTUM D4 AUTO
AUDI
A4
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
AUDI
A3
LOTUS
EXIGE
NISSAN
NAVARA
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.