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J167 NLJ

1999 Mazda MX-5

Black Petrol 1597cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires7 Feb 2025
Tests31 (18 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate58.1%

Mileage

269,829 mi
Last recorded269,829 miles
Recorded on5 Jan 2026
Typical for 1999 Mazda MX-582,499 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationJ167 NLJ
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1999
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,597cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 13 fail
Fail 5 Jan 2026 269,829 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps both side (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded both side (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fail 20 Feb 2025 269,763 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Offside Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded o/s to n/s pipe (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced end of sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Pass 8 Feb 2024 258,422 miles
Fail 5 Jan 2024 268,409 miles

Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage fractured drop arm broken (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Windscreen in such a condition that visibility through swept area is seriously affected cracked windscreen in driers view (3.2 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened all 4 brake discs pitted (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 7 Sep 2022 256,840 miles

Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

under the car corroded

Fail 6 Sep 2022 256,840 miles

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

under the car corroded

Pass 9 Feb 2021 248,754 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Central Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. 28% NSF 179KG. OSF 248KG. BOTH LOCK (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive SILL. NEEDS WELDING SOON. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

PARKING BRAKE LEVER HAS LITTLE RESERVE TRAVEL.

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge X2 NSR/OSR 185/60 14 (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 12 Feb 2020 240,857 miles

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. 40% NSF 165KG. OSF 271KG. BOTH LOCK (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 4 Feb 2020 240,844 miles

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively X2 (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. 40% NSF 165KG. OSF 271KG. BOTH LOCK (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 6 Feb 2019 227,407 miles

Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) X2 ()

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing X2 NSF/OSF RECOMMEND REPLACEMENTS (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Coil spring corroded X2 (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 28 Jan 2019 227,272 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits CAT (8.2.1.2 (b))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) X2 ()

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing X2 NSF/OSF RECOMMEND REPLACEMENTS (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Coil spring corroded X2 (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened X2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 30 Jan 2018 217,233 miles

Front Oil leak ()

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) X2 ()

Front X2 TYRES PERISHED

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened X2 (3.5.1i)

Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive X2 SILLS NSR/OSR (2.4.A.3)

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened X2 (3.5.1i)

Rear coil spring corroded X2 (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 26 Jan 2018 217,222 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Front Oil leak ()

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) X2 ()

Front X2 TYRES PERISHED

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened X2 (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear TYRE PERISHED

Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive X2 SILLS NSR/OSR (2.4.A.3)

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened X2 (3.5.1i)

Rear coil spring corroded X2 (2.4.C.1b)

Pass 12 Dec 2016 213,243 miles
Fail 9 Dec 2016 213,202 miles

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.D.2c)

Pass 7 Jan 2016 213,081 miles
Pass 17 Mar 2015 210,731 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 10 Mar 2015 210,660 miles

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Rear fog lamp missing (1.3.2a)

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 24 Mar 2014 205,970 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 11 Mar 2014 205,955 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Rear fog lamp insecure (1.3.2a)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 6 Mar 2013 199,611 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 12 Mar 2012 196,142 miles

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Oil leak

Fail 7 Mar 2012 196,126 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Oil leak

Pass 11 Mar 2011 189,954 miles
Fail 10 Mar 2011 189,902 miles

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 11 Mar 2010 182,467 miles
Fail 9 Mar 2010 182,452 miles

Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the left. (1.8)

Pass 17 Feb 2009 174,905 miles
Pass 11 Mar 2008 165,436 miles

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

some surface corrosion on off side outer sill panel (rear end)

Pass 5 Mar 2007 153,811 miles
Pass 8 Mar 2006 143,618 miles

How Reliable is the Mazda MX-5?

Based on 2,502,760 MOT tests across 160,823 vehicles.

76.5%
Pass Rate
2,964
Miles/Year
36
Year Lifespan
160,823
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 44,475
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 41,962
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 35,980
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 33,281
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 32,722
Full Mazda MX-5 reliability report

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J167 NLJ is a 1999 Mazda MX-5 in Black with a 1,597cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.1%.

Across all 1999 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 71.8% with a typical mileage of 82,499 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Mazda MX-5 fails its MOT is seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 44,475 recorded failures. If you're considering buying J167 NLJ, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mazda MX-5 typically stays on UK roads for around 36 years. At 27 years old, this Mazda MX-5 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of J167 NLJ?

You can check the full history of J167 NLJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was J167 NLJ registered?

J167 NLJ is a 1999 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 1 May 1999.

Is J167 NLJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for J167 NLJ shows 31 tests with a 58.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does J167 NLJ have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on J167 NLJ. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.