1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P59 CPG
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 89,484 miles. MOT expired on 01 Feb 2019.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 01 Feb 2019
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Aug 2019)
- Recorded Mileage
- 89,484 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.
P59 CPG Key Findings
- 16 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/01/2018
- 89,484 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P59 CPG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
16 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Mazda Mx-5 (P59 CPG) between January 2006 and January 2018.
The record contains 13 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 22 January 2018 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)”; “Offside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)”.
P59 CPG Mileage History
- 04/01/200642,736 mi
- 16/01/200744,974 mi+2,238 mi
- 02/01/200848,479 mi+3,505 mi
- 19/12/200850,853 mi+2,374 mi
- 02/02/201063,767 mi+12,914 mi
- 02/02/201053,760 mi-10,007 mi
- 10/01/201156,021 mi+2,261 mi
- 11/01/201156,021 mi
- 30/01/201258,408 mi+2,387 mi
- 30/01/201258,411 mi+3 mi
- 10/01/201360,731 mi+2,320 mi
- 20/01/201466,909 mi+6,178 mi
- 29/01/201573,218 mi+6,309 mi
- 13/01/201677,888 mi+4,670 mi
- 10/01/201784,846 mi+6,958 mi
- 22/01/201889,484 mi+4,638 mi
Average of roughly 3,880 miles per year across 16 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
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: 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.
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MAZDA MX-5 Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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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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