1998 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · R473 GEV
1998 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 28 May 1998. Recorded mileage 73,761 miles. MOT expired on 03 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 73,761 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.
R473 GEV Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/11/2025
- 73,761 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R473 GEV 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 1998 Mazda Mx-5 (R473 GEV) between December 2024 and November 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 21 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 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.
R473 GEV Mileage History
- 13/12/202456,320 mi
- 04/11/202573,761 mi+17,441 mi
Average of roughly 19,543 miles 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are prepared to undertake significant structural metal work. While the mileage is relatively low, the MOT history reveals deep-seated corrosion issues that may require expensive repairs to remain roadworthy.
The primary focus for a buyer must be a thorough structural inspection. The MOT history highlights multiple instances of 'excessive corrosion' in the rear suspension mounting areas and the sills, which are critical structural points. You should have a specialist perform a professional rust check to determine if the sills, rear sub-frame, and front sub-frame are beyond simple surface rust, which may be hidden by the undertrays mentioned in the MOT records.
Check the brake system thoroughly, as the history shows repeated mentions of corroded brake pipes and pitted discs. Ensure the service history is consistent, particularly regarding timing belt changes, which are vital for this 1.8L engine. Given the age and the documented rust issues, negotiate the price significantly downward to account for the inevitable high-cost welding and structural repairs required in the next couple of years.
The 1.8L petrol engine is relatively efficient, likely achieving upwards of 35-40 mpg depending on driving style. As a 1998 vehicle, it falls into a lower tax band, though insurance groups can vary widely based on the driver profile and its status as a convertible.
Maintenance costs for the MX-5 are generally low as parts are plentiful, but you should budget more than average for suspension components due to the observed corrosion. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £1,100-£1,400, covering fuel, tax, and basic preventative maintenance.
Inspect the underside meticulously, specifically the rear sills and the areas where the rear suspension arms bolt to the body. The MOT history has flagged 'excessive corrosion' in these specific areas multiple times, indicating a persistent rust issue. Look for bubbling paint on the bodywork, which often hides structural rot.
Examine the brake lines for any bulging or scaling. The 2024 MOT noted all four brake pipes were corroded; if these haven't been replaced recently, they could fail soon. Additionally, check the front and rear suspension arms for thinning, as these have been noted as corroded in almost every test over the last decade.
This 1998 Mazda MX-5 sits at 73,761 miles, which is below average for its 28-year age. However, the MOT record shows a concerning pattern of escalating corrosion across the sills, sub-frames, and suspension components. While it has passed its recent tests, the frequency of 'major' and 'dangerous' structural failures suggests a vehicle that is nearing the end of its structural life.
The NB generation MX-5 is known for its mechanical simplicity and reliability if kept well-maintained, but is notoriously prone to rust in UK climates.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R473 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R473GEV.
BMW
Z3
VAUXHALL
VECTRA
NISSAN
JUKE TEKNA DIG-T
TOYOTA
PREVIA
FORD
FREDA
BMW
120 M SPORT MHEV AUTO
BMW
Z3
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
PORSCHE
911
SUZUKI
GSXR600
VOLVO
V70
MITSUBISHI
L200
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 1998 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.