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L975 XLM

1998 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1597cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires3 Jul 2026
Tests31 (16 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate51.6%

Mileage

139,548 mi
Last recorded139,548 miles
Recorded on3 Jul 2026
Typical for 1998 Mazda MX-586,993 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationL975 XLM
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1998
ColourGreen
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

16 pass 15 fail
Fail 3 Jul 2026 139,548 miles

Battery insecure and likely to cause a short circuit (4.13 (a) (ii))

Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.1.2 (d))

Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration (8.2.1.2 (g))

Nearside Front Obligatory indirect vision device missing (3.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Alternator housing case cracked

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) nearside and offside

General surface corrosion on body and suspension components

Horn control insecure (7.7 (b))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened nearside and offside (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Vehicle beyond economical repair

Pass 4 Jul 2025 139,313 miles

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) nearside and offside

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced nearside and offside legs surface corrosion (6.1.1 (c) (i))

General Surface Corrosion on body and suspension components

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

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

Pass 24 Jun 2024 139,027 miles

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

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened both sides upper and lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 24 Apr 2024 139,020 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))

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened both sides upper and lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively 10kg (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 14 Apr 2023 138,806 miles

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

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

Pass 11 Mar 2022 138,477 miles

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

Fail 1 Jun 2021 138,469 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 1 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened nearside and offside lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened nearside and offside upper (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Rear tailgate lamp damage

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing perishing all around (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

underfloor pan corroded

Pass 21 Feb 2020 138,243 miles

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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))

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

Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 11 Feb 2020 138,239 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage likely to fail nut heavily corroded weakened structure (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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))

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

Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 9 Mar 2019 136,791 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 8 Feb 2019 136,678 miles

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

Offside Front Side repeater missing (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 9 Feb 2018 135,748 miles
Fail 8 Feb 2018 135,747 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 Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure (2.4.G.1)

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

Fail 28 Nov 2017 135,717 miles

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

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

Pass 30 Nov 2016 134,212 miles

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

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x4 (2.4.G.1)

Fail 28 Nov 2016 134,206 miles

Central Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Braking system leaking brake pipe (3.6.A.1) DANGEROUS

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

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x2 (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened x4 (2.4.G.1)

Pass 3 Dec 2015 132,433 miles
Fail 17 Nov 2015 132,215 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Pass 10 Jan 2015 129,555 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Fail 13 Nov 2014 129,550 miles

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

Offside Rear coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

Pass 17 Sep 2013 126,246 miles
Fail 10 Sep 2013 126,240 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 aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Pass 11 May 2012 122,581 miles
Fail 3 May 2012 122,581 miles

Front registration plate character(s) likely to be misread (6.3.4b)

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

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

Pass 19 Apr 2011 119,023 miles

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

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

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

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

engine noisy no oil

hand brake travel high

slight corrosion under vehicle

Fail 15 Apr 2011 119,017 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 rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

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

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

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

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

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

engine noisy no oil

hand brake travel high

slight corrosion under vehicle

slight corrosion under vehicle

Pass 5 Mar 2010 111,193 miles

Battery insecure

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

Pass 2 Apr 2007 104,831 miles
Pass 27 Mar 2006 100,502 miles
Fail 27 Mar 2006 100,525 miles

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

Fail 24 Mar 2006 100,502 miles

Nearside Rear Parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.D.3a)

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

Nearside Front brake disc slightly scored (3.5.1h)

Offside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

L975 XLM is a 1998 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,597cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 51.6%.

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 L975 XLM, 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 L975 XLM?

You can check the full history of L975 XLM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L975 XLM registered?

L975 XLM is a 1998 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 30 January 1998.

Is L975 XLM safe to buy?

The MOT history for L975 XLM shows 31 tests with a 51.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L975 XLM 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 L975 XLM. 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.