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J247 RTA

1991 Mazda MX-5

Blue Petrol 1597cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires8 Dec 2026
Tests31 (20 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate64.5%

Mileage

157,521 mi
Last recorded157,521 miles
Recorded on26 Nov 2025
Typical for 1991 Mazda MX-5114,279 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationJ247 RTA
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1991
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,597cc
View full Mazda MX-5 reliability data Browse other 1991 Mazda MX-5 registrations

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

20 pass 11 fail
Pass 26 Nov 2025 157,521 miles

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Fluid leak, but not excessive Differential (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Under side of vehicle corroded

Fail 24 Nov 2025 157,520 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Outer Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Fluid leak, but not excessive Differential (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Under side of vehicle corroded

Pass 6 Dec 2024 154,685 miles

Exhaust system deteriorated

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive All mounting areas (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Outer Sill corroded and weakened

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

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

Nearside Rear Inner Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Sill corroded

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

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive All mounting areas (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Chassis legs damaged and surface corrosion (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Fail 4 Dec 2024 154,681 miles

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

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Floor pan large hole (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear fog lamp tell-tale missing (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Exhaust system deteriorated

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive All mounting areas (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Outer Sill corroded and weakened

Nearside Headlamp aim too high Adjusted (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear Inner Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Sill corroded

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

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive All mounting areas (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Chassis legs damaged and surface corrosion (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Pass 9 Dec 2023 152,370 miles

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

Coil spring corroded All coil springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Corrosion throughout underside of vehicle

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

Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Floor (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened And lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened And lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Fail 10 Nov 2023 152,330 miles

Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Coil spring corroded All four springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 1 Nov 2022 150,071 miles

Offside Front floor corroded

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

both rear sill ends/arch corroded

corrosion on underside of vehicle and suspension components

Pass 25 Oct 2021 147,882 miles

Offside Front floor corroded

Offside rear sill end/arch corroded

corrosion forming on underside of vehicle and suspension components

Pass 4 Nov 2020 145,860 miles

corrosion forming on underside of vehicle and suspension components

Fail 29 Oct 2020 145,811 miles

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced rear inner arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

corrosion forming on underside of vehicle and suspension components

Pass 25 Jul 2019 142,965 miles
Fail 15 Jul 2019 142,948 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced outer sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 16 Jul 2018 140,574 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 21 Jul 2017 138,739 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 8 Jul 2016 135,966 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

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

Pass 10 Jul 2015 133,580 miles

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

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

Pass 14 Jul 2014 130,263 miles
Fail 11 Jul 2014 130,203 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Pass 1 May 2013 126,348 miles
Fail 26 Apr 2013 126,282 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Pass 12 Mar 2012 123,098 miles
Fail 6 Mar 2012 123,087 miles

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

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

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

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

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 16 Dec 2010 121,811 miles
Pass 8 Sep 2009 120,228 miles

Offside Front Front position lamp(s) deteriorated, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 8 Sep 2009 120,228 miles

Offside Front Front position lamp(s) deteriorated, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 3 Sep 2008 118,438 miles

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 27 Jul 2007 115,245 miles

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 27 Jul 2007 115,245 miles
Pass 4 Jul 2006 110,800 miles
Pass 4 Jul 2006 110,800 miles
Fail 3 Jul 2006 110,800 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Rear fog lamp insecure (1.3.2a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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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J247 RTA is a 1991 Mazda MX-5 in Blue with a 1,597cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.5%.

Across all 1991 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.4% with a typical mileage of 114,279 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 J247 RTA, 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 35 years old, this Mazda MX-5 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of J247 RTA?

You can check the full history of J247 RTA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was J247 RTA registered?

J247 RTA is a 1991 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 31 December 1991.

Is J247 RTA safe to buy?

The MOT history for J247 RTA shows 31 tests with a 64.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does J247 RTA 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 J247 RTA. 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.