1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · R838 BDA
1997 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 147,507 miles. MOT valid until 28 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 147,507 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.
R838 BDA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 30/09/2026
- 147,507 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R838 BDA 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 (R838 BDA) between August 2025 and September 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 30 September 2026 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: Tyres (11 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
R838 BDA Mileage History
- 15/08/2025142,915 mi
- 08/09/2025142,933 mi+18 mi
- 15/09/2025142,938 mi+5 mi
- 11/09/2026147,418 mi+4,480 mi
- 30/09/2026147,507 mi+89 mi
Average of roughly 4,079 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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.
Vehicle & Plate History
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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.
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