1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P988 AHO
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1997. Recorded mileage 178,648 km. MOT expired on 25 Oct 2024.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Odometer
- 178,648 km
- 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.
P988 AHO Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/10/2023
- 178,648 km recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P988 AHO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Mazda Mx-5 (P988 AHO) between October 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 8 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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.
P988 AHO Odometer History
- 27/10/2022175,998 km
- 23/10/2023178,648 km+2,650 km
Average of roughly 2,680 km per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (P988 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as P988AHO.
MAZDA
BONGO
TOYOTA
COROLLA
TOYOTA
CELICA
HONDA
NSR
TOYOTA
RAV-4
CITROEN
C15
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
MAZDA
MX-3
SUZUKI
GSX1100F
YAMAHA
XJ600
FORD
TRANSIT
PIAGGIO
T5
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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.