1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P683 BUA
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 139,741 miles. MOT valid until 31 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 31 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,741 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.
P683 BUA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/09/2026
- 139,741 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P683 BUA 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 (P683 BUA) between August 2024 and September 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 September 2026 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 (14 issues), Lighting (8 issues), Bodywork (7 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 33 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 Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))”; “Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))”.
P683 BUA Mileage History
- 14/08/2024132,289 km
- 22/08/2025136,019 km+3,730 km
- 23/08/2025136,022 mi
- 25/08/2026139,739 mi+3,717 mi
- 02/09/2026139,741 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 3,634 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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
Exercise significant caution before purc
A primary focus for any potential buyer must be the structural integrity of the sills. The MOT history shows repeated failures and advisories regarding seat belt anchorage points being affected by corrosion in the outer sills (noted in 2024 and 2025). You should inspect these areas thoroughly for any signs of structural weakness or recent welding repairs.
Additionally, investigate the recurring brake pipe corrosion and the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in multiple tests since 2024. While these items were addressed for the most recent pass, you should ask for evidence of recent replacement parts. Check the service history to see if the cooling system issues noted in 2025 have been fully resolved, as coolant leaks can lead to more serious engine issues if left unmanaged.
As a 1.8L petrol sports car from 1997, running costs will be higher than a standard hatchback. Fuel economy will depend on driving style, but expect typical enthusiast-car consumption levels. Tax and insurance groups for this model vary based on specific engine tuning and driver profile, but older sports cars can attract higher insurance premiums.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated due to the age of the vehicle and the specific issues identified in the MOT history, such as brake components, suspension springs, and potential oil/coolant management. Budget for regular inspections of the chassis and braking system to manage the corrosion issues identified in recent years.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside and sills. The MOT history explicitly mentions corrosion affecting seat belt anchorages and rear coil springs. Check specifically for the quality of any previous rust treatments or structural repairs in the sills and floor pans.
Examine the braking system, specifically the rear brake pipes which have been recorded as corroded and covered in grease in multiple tests (2024, 2025, and 2026). Also, check the condition of the rear brake discs, which were noted as pitted or scored in the most recent test, and verify that the oil leak mentioned in the 2026 record is not progressing.
This 1997 Blue Eunos Mazda MX-5 has covered 139,741 miles and presents a history of frequent MOT failures and recurring advisories. While it passed its most recent test in September 2026, the records show a pattern of brake pipe corrosion, oil leaks, and significant concerns regarding seat belt anchorage points due to sill corrosion. The vehicle's age and specific failure patterns suggest a high maintenance requirement.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Eunos Mazda MX-5 model to provide a comparative statistical baseline.
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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