1993 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · L598 KAR
1993 Mazda MX-5 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 03 Sept 1993. Recorded mileage 72,529 miles. MOT valid until 17 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1993 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Nov 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 72,529 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.
L598 KAR Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/08/2026
- 72,529 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
L598 KAR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1993 Mazda Mx-5 (L598 KAR) between May 2022 and August 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 19 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Nearside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure SPLIT ON SIDE WALLS AND IN TREAD”; “Offside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure SPLIT IN TREAD (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases silencer (6.1.2 (a))”.
L598 KAR Mileage History
- 26/05/202271,660 mi
- 16/06/202371,670 mi+10 mi
- 19/08/202672,529 mi+859 mi
Average of roughly 205 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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
Proceed with caution. While the mileage
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and sills. The 2026 MOT advisory for general underbody corrosion, combined with the 2022 failure for corroded brake pipes and coil springs, indicates that rust is a persistent issue with this specific vehicle. Verify whether the brake pipes and suspension components failed in 2022 were fully replaced or merely repaired.
Check the service records for evidence of rust proofing or undersealing. Given the 2022 record showed tyres that were 14 to 16 years old, you should investigate the vehicle's storage history to determine if it spent long periods stationary, which can lead to other degradation issues not captured in MOT tests.
The 1597cc petrol engine is relatively efficient for a classic, though fuel economy will be lower than modern equivalents. As a 1993 model, it falls into a legacy tax bracket, and insurance groups for the MX-5 are typically moderate, though classic car insurance may offer better value.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the known propensity for corrosion. Budgeting for preventative rust treatment and the replacement of aging rubber components is recommended. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £800-£1,200.
Focus your inspection on the underbody and wheel arches to assess the 'general underbody corrosion' noted in August 2026. Specifically, check the areas where the brake pipes and coil springs failed in 2022 to ensure no new corrosion has developed in those locations.
Inspect the current tyres for age and condition, as the 2022 MOT revealed dangerously perished tyres that were up to 16 years old. Finally, check the exhaust system for leaks or significant rust, as the vehicle previously failed on both a major silencer leak and lambda readings.
This 1993 white Mazda MX-5 has recorded 72,529 miles, which is below the model average. Its MOT history is mixed, featuring a comprehensive failure in 2022 involving brakes, suspension, and tyres, followed by a clean pass in 2023 and a 2026 pass with an advisory for underbody corrosion.
The MX-5 has an average MOT pass rate of 81.6%, with corrosion and exhaust issues being the most frequent causes of failure across the model range.
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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