1999 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · T182 ARO
1999 Mazda MX-5 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1999. Recorded mileage 135,961 miles. MOT valid until 01 Oct 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA MX-5
- Year / Origin
- 1999
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 01 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 135,961 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.
T182 ARO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/10/2026
- 135,961 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
T182 ARO 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 1999 Mazda Mx-5 (T182 ARO) between July 2023 and October 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 October 2026 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: Bodywork (7 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Excessive corrosion at the sill”; “Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Excessive Corrosion at the sil”; “Offside Front Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))”.
T182 ARO Mileage History
- 07/07/2023117,686 mi
- 23/08/2024121,855 mi+4,169 mi
- 10/09/2024121,915 mi+60 mi
- 26/08/2025129,117 mi+7,202 mi
- 03/10/2026135,961 mi+6,844 mi
Average of roughly 5,639 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 (NB)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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 due to recu
The primary concern for this specific green MX-5 is the repeated mention of corrosion in the MOT records. You must inspect the sills, suspension mountings, and chassis closely. The history shows 'Excessive corrosion at the sill' and 'Vehicle structure or chassis corroded' in multiple years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). Ensure any recent repairs to these areas are documented and professionally executed, as structural corrosion can be difficult and expensive to rectify.
Beyond the chassis, check the braking system and suspension. The record shows a history of binding brakes and worn discs. Additionally, given the 2024 failure regarding shock absorbers with 'negligible damping effect', verify that the suspension has been fully overhauled. Always check that the seat belt anchorages, which have been flagged for corrosion in the past, are securely fixed and structurally sound.
As a 1.8L petrol roadster, running costs will be higher than a standard hatchback. Fuel economy will depend on driving style, but you should budget for typical enthusiast vehicle consumption. Tax and insurance groups for a 1999 MX-5 vary depending on your specific profile, but it is generally positioned in a mid-range bracket.
Maintenance costs for this vehicle may be higher than average due to the age and the specific issues identified in the MOT history, such as brake maintenance and potential structural repairs. Expect to spend more on preventative maintenance to combat the ongoing corrosion issues noted in the records.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside and sills. The MOT history for this vehicle explicitly mentions corrosion at the sills and near mounting points in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. This is a recurring theme that suggests the structural integrity of the chassis needs careful verification.
Secondly, inspect the braking system and suspension components. The 2025 test noted a worn or pitted nearside rear brake disc, and previous tests mentioned binding brakes and failing shock absorbers. Finally, check the condition of the headlamp lenses and the seat belt anchorages, as these have been points of failure or advisory in recent years.
This 1999 Mazda MX-5 (T182ARO) has covered 129,117 miles since its first registration in May 1999. While it is a classic roadster, the MOT history shows a consistent pattern of corrosion, specifically affecting the vehicle structure, chassis, and sills. Recent tests indicate that while the car has passed, it continues to face issues with brake components and structural integrity.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.6% MOT pass rate, with corrosion and exhaust issues being common failure reasons across the fleet.
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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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 1999 model year cars.
- Front Chassis Rail CorrosionSerious
NB cars can rust badly inside the front chassis rails, sometimes while the outer structure still looks respectable from above.
- Rear Sill and Arch RustSerious
Like the NA, the NB traps moisture around the rear sill sections and arch returns, so rot often starts where it is easy to hide with cosmetic repairs.
- Blocked Hood Drains and Cabin DampModerate
When the soft-top drains block, water can back up into the cabin and accelerate rust in the sills and floor area.
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