1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P575 CWP
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 30 May 1997. Recorded mileage 75,211 miles. MOT valid until 26 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 75,211 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.
P575 CWP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/11/2025
- 75,211 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P575 CWP 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 (P575 CWP) between November 2021 and November 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 6 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (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.
P575 CWP Mileage History
- 24/11/202172,983 mi
- 11/11/202273,589 mi+606 mi
- 09/11/202374,234 mi+645 mi
- 13/11/202474,645 mi+411 mi
- 12/11/202575,211 mi+566 mi
Average of roughly 562 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Excellent
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 due to recurring me
When viewing this MX-5, your primary focus should be on the underside of the vehicle. The 2021 MOT record specifically noted corrosion on the offside rear sill; you must inspect this area to ensure any previous repairs were robust and that the corrosion has not progressed. Given the age of this 1.8L model, check for any signs of structural rust around the sills and wheel arches.
Secondly, address the oil leak. The MOT history shows this has been a consistent advisory since at least November 2021. While recorded as 'not excessive', a persistent leak can indicate a gasket or seal issue that may worsen. Ask the seller for any evidence of recent repairs to address this. Finally, ensure the soft top and its mechanism are in good working order, as these are common points of wear on 1990s MX-5s.
Running costs for this 1840cc petrol MX-5 are generally manageable for a classic sports car. Fuel economy will depend on driving style, but you should budget for typical enthusiast-level consumption. Tax and insurance groups for a 1997 model are often relatively moderate, though insurance can vary based on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs should account for the recurring oil leak noted in the MOT history, which may require specialist attention to resolve. Given the vehicle's age, you should also budget for periodic replacement of rubber components and potential corrosion treatments. An estimated annual running cost would be in the region of £1,200-£1,500, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance.
A thorough inspection of the chassis is vital. Reference the 2021 MOT failure regarding the offside rear sill corrosion; you should look for any bubbling paint or surface rust in that specific area and along the sills. Because corrosion is a top failure reason for this model aggregate, a professional underside inspection is highly recommended.
Regarding the engine, the MOT history has flagged an oil leak (8.4.1 (a) (i)) for five consecutive years. Inspect the engine bay and the area around the sump and rocker covers for wetness or residue. While the MOT states it was not excessive, you should verify that it hasn't become a more significant issue. Additionally, check the exhaust system, as this is a common failure point for this model.
This 1997 silver Mazda MX-5 (P575CWP) presents with 75,211 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of its age. However, the MOT history shows a persistent oil leak recorded in every test since at least 2021, alongside a recorded corrosion issue on the offside rear sill in 2021. The vehicle has passed its last five tests, but the recurring nature of these advisories suggests ongoing maintenance requirements.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.6% MOT pass rate, with common failures relating to exhaust, corrosion, and headlamps.
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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