1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · R402 AMA
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 125,123 miles. MOT expired on 30 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 125,123 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.
R402 AMA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/09/2025
- 125,123 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R402 AMA 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 (R402 AMA) between October 2021 and September 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
R402 AMA Mileage History
- 01/10/2021116,480 mi
- 29/09/2022119,663 mi+3,183 mi
- 12/09/2023121,841 mi+2,178 mi
- 06/09/2024123,890 mi+2,049 mi
- 26/09/2025125,123 mi+1,233 mi
Average of roughly 2,168 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong candidate for enthusiasts looki
When inspecting this specific 1.8L petrol model, focus on the structural integrity. Although this vehicle's recent MOT history shows no defects, the aggregate data for the MX-5 model highlights corrosion as a top failure reason. Check the sills, wheel arches, and underbody closely.
Given the mileage of 125,123, verify that any mechanical maintenance has been performed regularly, even if it doesn't appear on the MOT record. Ask for documentation regarding timing belt changes and suspension component wear, as these are common areas of interest for a car of this age and mileage.
Running costs for this 1840cc petrol engine will be influenced by its age and performance-oriented nature. Expect fuel economy to be moderate, typical for a late-90s roadster. Insurance groups for the MX-5 vary, so obtain a specific quote based on the R402AMA registration.
Maintenance costs should be budgeted for regularly, particularly regarding consumables like tyres and brakes. While the MOT history has been clean recently, the aggregate data suggests that exhaust and headlamp issues are common across the wider model population, so keep an eye on these components.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside of the vehicle. The aggregate data for this model identifies corrosion as a primary reason for MOT failure, so look for signs of rust on the chassis and floor pans.
Additionally, check the exhaust system and headlamp clarity. These are listed as common failure points for the MX-5. Because this vehicle has recorded no defects in its last five MOT tests, ensure that any current condition matches the clean recent history, specifically checking for any new signs of wear or degradation that may have developed since the September 2025 test.
This 1997 Mazda MX-5, finished in green, has covered 125,123 miles as of its most recent MOT in September 2025. The vehicle has maintained a clean MOT record for the last five consecutive tests, with no defects recorded between 2021 and 2025. While the mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 3,057 miles per year, the consistency of the recent testing is notable.
The MX-5 has an 81.6% average MOT pass rate across the 108,806 vehicles analysed, 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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