1997 Mazda MX-6 2.5L Petrol · P552 AJT
1997 Mazda MX-6 (2.5L, petrol). First registered 06 Feb 1997. Recorded mileage 79,789 miles. MOT expired on 20 May 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-6
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 May 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 79,789 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
P552 AJT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/05/2025
- 79,789 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P552 AJT 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-6 (P552 AJT) between March 2022 and May 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 May 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: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (2 issues). 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: “Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))”; “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”; “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”.
P552 AJT Mileage History
- 03/03/202278,530 mi
- 11/03/202278,554 mi+24 mi
- 09/03/202379,590 mi+1,036 mi
- 22/05/202579,779 mi+189 mi
- 22/05/202579,789 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 391 miles per year across 5 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 and a thorough mech
Given the age of this vehicle, your primary focus should be on the braking system and potential fluid leaks. The May 2025 MOT failure specifically highlighted inadequate service brake efficiency and imbalanced rear brakes, alongside pitted front discs. You should request evidence of recent brake servicing or component replacement to ensure these issues were professionally rectified following the failure.
Negotiate based on the presence of the recorded oil leak. While the MOT notes it was 'not excessive', any leak on a 29-year-old vehicle can indicate ageing seals or gaskets that may require more significant attention soon. Check the service history specifically for oil changes and brake fluid flushes, as the recent braking failures suggest these may have been neglected.
Running this 2.5L petrol MX-6 will involve relatively high costs compared to modern vehicles. Expect higher fuel consumption due to the large engine displacement and older engine technology. Tax and insurance groups for a 1997 sports coupe will vary depending on your specific profile, but the 2497cc engine typically places it in a higher bracket.
Maintenance costs are likely to be moderate to high, particularly for specialist parts. While basic servicing is straightforward, addressing the recurring brake issues and potential oil leaks will require a budget. An estimated annual running cost would account for fuel, insurance, tax, and a contingency for the mechanical issues identified in recent MOT tests.
A detailed inspection of the braking system is essential. Specifically, check the condition of the front brake discs for pitting or scoring, as noted in the 2025 MOT, and ensure the rear brakes are balanced and providing adequate effort. The 2022 failure regarding parking brake efficiency also warrants a physical test to ensure the handbrake is fully operational.
Underneath the vehicle, look closely at the engine bay and sump area for signs of the oil leak mentioned in the May 2025 record. Additionally, because 'corrosion' is a top failure reason for this model according to aggregate data, you should inspect the chassis, sills, and suspension mounting points for any signs of structural rust.
This 1997 Mazda MX-6 presents an interesting proposition due to its significantly low mileage of 79,789 miles, which is well below the model average. However, the recent MOT history shows a pattern of braking-related failures and an oil leak recorded in May 2025. While it has passed several tests without defects in the early 2020s, the most recent results indicate emerging mechanical issues.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 70.4% MOT pass rate, with corrosion, headlamps, and exhaust being the most frequent failure points.
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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