1998 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · S255 BGC
1998 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 09 Nov 1998. Recorded mileage 111,476 miles. MOT expired on 08 Dec 2022.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Dec 2022
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Dec 2022)
- Recorded Mileage
- 111,476 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.
S255 BGC Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/12/2021
- 111,476 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S255 BGC 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 (S255 BGC) between December 2021 and December 2021.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 December 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
S255 BGC Mileage History
- 09/12/2021111,476 mi
- 09/12/2021111,476 mi
Average of roughly 0 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: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution; this MX-5 shows significant signs of advanced structural corrosion and a history of deferred maintenance. While it remains a classic roadster, the MOT history suggests escalating rust that may soon become costly to rectify.
The primary focus for this vehicle is a thorough chassis inspection. The MOT records repeatedly note corrosion on the front and rear subframes, wishbones, and suspension mounting areas. You must have a specialist check the sills and inner wings to determine if the rust is surface-level or structural, as 'not considered excessive sill' corrosion has been noted for several years.
Check the service history meticulously. The car shows a history of neglected brake components, with pitted discs and thin pads noted across multiple years. Ensure the rear coil springs and tyres have been replaced recently, as the car previously failed on a fractured spring and exposed cords in 2019. Negotiate heavily based on the likely cost of upcoming structural repairs required to keep the car MOT-worthy.
The 1.8L petrol engine is relatively efficient, likely achieving 30-35 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance groups for older MX-5s vary but are generally mid-range due to their popularity. Annual Road Tax is low for a vehicle of this era.
Maintenance costs may be high due to the age of the car. Expect to spend on rubber components, bushings, and suspension parts. Estimate an annual running cost of roughly £1,200-£1,500, accounting for fuel and the high likelihood of rust-related repairs.
Inspect the entire underside of the car with a torch. The MOT history highlights corrosion on the front and rear subframes, anti-roll bars, and wishbones. Look specifically for bubbling paint on the sills and the offside rear suspension mounting area, which was flagged in 2021.
Examine the braking system thoroughly. The vehicle has a history of binding brakes, worn discs, and thin pads. Check the rear coil springs for cracks or fractures (given the previous failure) and ensure the tyres are not showing signs of damage, as the car has failed on exposed cords before.
This 1998 Mazda MX-5 sits at approximately 111,476 miles, which is above average for its age. While it has passed its most recent test, the MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of structural rust across the subframes, wishbones, and suspension mounts. Recent failures related to brake performance and safety-critical items (exposed tyre cords and fractured springs) indicate a vehicle that is nearing the end of its practical life without significant investment.
The NB-generation MX-5 is known for its mechanical robustness, but it is notoriously susceptible to body rust if not stored in dry conditions.
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 (S255 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as S255BGC.
TOYOTA
HILUX
MAZDA
MX-5
FORD
FIESTA
RENAULT
CLIO
MAZDA
MX-5
MITSUBISHI
SHOGUN
SUZUKI
TL1000
TOYOTA
RAV-4
FORD
FIESTA
LAND ROVER
FREELANDER
BMW
3 SERIES
BMW
7 SERIES
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.