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L185 TUP

1998 Mazda MX-5

Red Petrol 1800cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Apr 2027
Tests28 (19 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate67.9%

Mileage

103,812 mi
Last recorded103,812 miles
Recorded on30 Mar 2026
Typical for 1998 Mazda MX-586,993 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationL185 TUP
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1998
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,800cc

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

19 pass 9 fail
Pass 30 Mar 2026 103,812 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

general corrosion underside

underside undersealed

Fail 23 Mar 2026 103,800 miles

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

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

general corrosion underside

underside undersealed

Pass 10 Apr 2025 100,708 miles

Nearside Outer Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

general corrosion underside

Pass 20 Jan 2023 99,372 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

general corrosion underside

Fail 16 Jan 2023 99,372 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

general corrosion underside

Pass 17 Jan 2022 98,205 miles

Nearside Rear Inner Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

general corrosion underside

undersealed heavy underside

Pass 12 Jan 2021 97,349 miles

Nearside Rear Inner Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Inner Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

underside heavily undersealed

Pass 7 Jan 2020 96,281 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Fail 7 Jan 2020 96,291 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Pass 1 Dec 2018 94,135 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Bottom ball join boot cracking

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

Nearside Rear Slight bind when rotating by hand

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Head light aim

Offside Front Head light not working on main beam

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Outer Vehicle structure is fractured but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is fractured but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Rear suspension corroded

Pass 7 Nov 2017 90,674 miles
Pass 28 Feb 2017 88,181 miles

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

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Oil leak ()

slight bind on o/s/f wheel

Pass 17 Feb 2016 86,514 miles

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

Offside Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

o/s wiper deteriorated

oil leak & coolant leak

Pass 3 Mar 2015 85,992 miles

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

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

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

Oil leak

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

Fail 16 Feb 2015 85,920 miles

Front Brake lining(s) insecure (3.5.1g)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Speedometer cannot be illuminated. (6.7.3)

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

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

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

Oil leak

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

Pass 25 Apr 2014 83,917 miles

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Fail 25 Apr 2014 83,917 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Exhaust catalytic converter missing where one was fitted as standard (7.1.3)

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

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

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

o/s/f tyre worn to limit and bald on inner edge

Pass 14 May 2013 81,482 miles

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

Oil leak

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

air filter resting on exhaust manifold

Fail 11 May 2013 81,478 miles

Nearside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

Oil leak

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

air filter resting on exhaust manifold

Pass 31 May 2012 78,733 miles
Fail 25 May 2012 78,733 miles

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

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Front Anti-roll bar slightly distorted (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Rear Anti-roll bar slightly distorted (2.4.G.1)

oil leak

rear exhaust has corrosion

Fail 15 May 2012 78,576 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear brake caliper leaking (3.6.A.1)

Nearside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Pass 27 Apr 2011 75,221 miles

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Oil leak

Rear Anti-roll bar slightly distorted (2.4.G.1)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

radiator has slight water seapage.

Pass 6 May 2010 72,881 miles

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

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

slight knock from steering

Pass 28 Apr 2009 70,726 miles
Fail 22 Apr 2009 70,721 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Nearside front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Pass 28 Nov 2007 61,054 miles

Front Brake lining(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 25 Nov 2006 88,737 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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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

L185 TUP is a 1998 Mazda MX-5 in Red with a 1,800cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 67.9%.

Across all 1998 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 71.9% with a typical mileage of 86,993 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 L185 TUP, 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 28 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 L185 TUP?

You can check the full history of L185 TUP by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L185 TUP registered?

L185 TUP is a 1998 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 4 September 1998.

Is L185 TUP safe to buy?

The MOT history for L185 TUP shows 28 tests with a 67.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L185 TUP 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 L185 TUP. 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.