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M31 FRL

1996 Mazda MX-5

Red Petrol 1839cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires2 Oct 2026
Tests30 (17 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate56.7%

Mileage

204,230 mi
Last recorded204,230 miles
Recorded on3 Oct 2025
Typical for 1996 Mazda MX-586,097 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM31 FRL
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1996
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,839cc

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

17 pass 13 fail
Pass 3 Oct 2025 204,230 miles
Fail 3 Oct 2025 204,230 miles

Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))

Fail 28 Jul 2025 204,224 miles

Nearside Rear Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting seal (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting sael (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached lose pinch bolt (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached missing nut (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage attachment bracket/mounting likely to fail (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 5 Jul 2023 204,222 miles

Nearside Front Position lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (i))

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

Fail 4 Jul 2023 204,222 miles

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

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))

Nearside Front Position lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (i))

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

Fail 12 May 2023 204,222 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))

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

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Front Steering locking device missing split pin at track rod end nut (2.1.3 (d))

Offside Front Steering locking device missing split pin at track rod end nut (2.1.3 (d))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Central Rear Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 12 Apr 2022 202,829 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Central Rear Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement top mount (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Rear sill slightly corroded

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

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

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

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

Rear Position lamp slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Fail 7 Apr 2022 202,829 miles

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn D bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Central Rear Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement top mount (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Rear sill slightly corroded

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage 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 pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Position lamp slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Pass 24 Mar 2021 200,273 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Central Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Outer Anti-roll bar linkage 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 pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 31 May 2019 196,167 miles

Central Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Pass 26 Apr 2018 192,282 miles

Centre stop lamp not working (disconnected)

Fail 25 Apr 2018 192,282 miles

Central Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases back box (7.1.2)

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

front brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

front brakes release unevenly (3.7.B.4)

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

Pass 27 Jul 2017 190,539 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

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

Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt both front lower (2.4.G.2)

Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt both front upper (2.4.G.2)

centre stop light not working

Pass 12 May 2016 189,093 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated both front (3.6.B.4d)

Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

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

Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt both front lower (2.4.G.2)

Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt both front upper (2.4.G.2)

brake pedal rubber worn

centre stop light not working

front tyres wearing on edges

oil leak

passenger seat not fitted

Pass 29 May 2015 183,797 miles

Brake pedal pad wearing

Cat heat sheild loose

High level brake light inop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Oil leak

Fail 26 May 2015 183,661 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (3.6.G.2)

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (3.6.G.1b)

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

Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Brake pedal pad wearing

Cat heat sheild loose

High level brake light inop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Oil leak

Pass 4 Jun 2014 175,379 miles

Exhaust rattle from catalytic converter

O/S front brake binding slightly

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

Fail 4 Jun 2014 175,379 miles

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

Exhaust rattle from catalytic converter

O/S front brake binding slightly

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

Pass 12 Jun 2013 168,513 miles

small hole os inner sill

Pass 21 Jun 2012 164,042 miles

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

battery insecure

clutch slave cylinder leaking

Fail 7 Jun 2012 164,040 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is inadequately repaired (5.2.6)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is inadequately repaired (5.2.6)

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

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

battery insecure

clutch slave cylinder leaking

Pass 22 Oct 2010 162,071 miles

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

slight play o/s rack

Fail 22 Oct 2010 162,071 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

slight play o/s rack

Pass 27 May 2009 159,812 miles

nsf tyre low pressure

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

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)

battery insecure

Fail 14 May 2009 159,797 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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)

battery insecure

nsf tyre low pressure

Pass 9 Jan 2008 146,646 miles
Fail 9 Jan 2008 146,646 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Pass 10 Jan 2007 132,528 miles
Pass 11 Jan 2006 119,984 miles
Fail 11 Jan 2006 119,984 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.6.D2)

clutch fluid hose [connection] damp.

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

M31 FRL is a 1996 Mazda MX-5 in Red with a 1,839cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.7%.

Across all 1996 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.8% with a typical mileage of 86,097 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 M31 FRL, 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 30 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 M31 FRL?

You can check the full history of M31 FRL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M31 FRL registered?

M31 FRL is a 1996 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 29 March 1996.

Is M31 FRL safe to buy?

The MOT history for M31 FRL shows 30 tests with a 56.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M31 FRL 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 M31 FRL. 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.