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M853 TBU

1998 Mazda MX-5

Blue Petrol 1839cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires15 Apr 2027
Tests41 (21 pass, 20 fail)
Pass rate51.2%

Mileage

269,337 mi
Last recorded269,337 miles
Recorded on16 Apr 2026
Typical for 1998 Mazda MX-586,993 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM853 TBU
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1998
ColourBlue
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

21 pass 20 fail
Pass 16 Apr 2026 269,337 miles

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

Front floor sections corroded both sides

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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))

Fail 14 Apr 2026 269,337 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

Front floor sections corroded both sides

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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))

Pass 17 Mar 2025 268,750 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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))

Fail 17 Mar 2025 268,750 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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))

Rear fog lamp insecure (4.5.1 (c) (i))

Pass 3 Apr 2024 266,849 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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))

Rear fog lamp insecure (4.5.1 (c) (i))

Fail 2 Apr 2024 266,849 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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))

Rear fog lamp insecure (4.5.1 (c) (i))

Pass 4 Apr 2023 263,987 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases rear exhaust silencer (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside front inner sill corroded

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

Offside front inner sill corroded

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))

Fail 16 Mar 2023 263,787 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 6 Apr 2022 261,126 miles

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Fail 15 Mar 2022 261,126 miles

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

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

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

Offside Seat belt damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

Rear Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))

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

Offside Seat belt webbing significantly weakened (7.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 16 Mar 2021 257,334 miles

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

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

Rear Lower Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Fail 12 Mar 2021 257,333 miles

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

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively blade split (3.4 (b) (ii))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Inner Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 195/50R15 (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Rear Lower Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Pass 12 Mar 2020 255,935 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge close to legal limit 2.4mm wearing on inner edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 12 Mar 2020 255,933 miles

Central Front Registration plate insecure (0.1 (a))

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps (4.7.2 (a))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge close to legal limit 2.4mm wearing on inner edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp insecure (4.5.1 (c) (i))

Pass 28 Mar 2019 253,196 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (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 Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Fail 6 Mar 2019 253,195 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

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

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 1 Mar 2018 250,343 miles

Front tyres wearing inner edges

Oil leak ()

Fail 23 Feb 2018 250,342 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded inner sill (5.2.6)

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

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

Offside Rear rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Front tyres wearing inner edges

Oil leak ()

Pass 24 Feb 2017 247,623 miles

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Fail 24 Feb 2017 247,623 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (4.1.D.1f)

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Pass 8 Mar 2016 242,792 miles

Nearside front inner sill corroded

Offside front and rear inner sill corroded

Fail 7 Mar 2016 242,791 miles

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

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

Nearside front inner sill corroded

Offside front and rear inner sill corroded

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

Pass 5 Mar 2015 237,416 miles

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

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

Fail 5 Mar 2015 237,416 miles

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

Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

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

Pass 7 Mar 2014 231,179 miles

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

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 7 Mar 2014 231,179 miles

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

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

Front registration plate letter/figure incomplete (6.3.1c)

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

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

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 11 Mar 2013 227,169 miles

advise both rear tyres getting low

Fail 4 Mar 2013 227,169 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

advise both rear tyres getting low

Pass 9 Mar 2012 222,997 miles

advise rear discs badly corroded

advise rear silencer exhaust embelisher corroded away

Fail 9 Mar 2012 222,997 miles

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

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

advise rear discs badly corroded

advise rear silencer exhaust embelisher corroded away

Pass 8 Mar 2011 218,750 miles

both outer sills rusty

front lower bumper trim insecure

rear brake discs corroded

slight damage to front number plate

Fail 7 Mar 2011 218,750 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp does not face the rear (1.3.2a)

Rear fog lamp insecure (1.3.2a)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

both outer sills rusty

front lower bumper trim insecure

rear brake discs corroded

slight damage to front number plate

Fail 23 Feb 2010 211,100 miles

Fuel cap o-ring perished

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Feb 2010 211,100 miles

Fuel cap o-ring perished

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

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

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

Pass 27 Feb 2009 197,724 miles
Fail 24 Feb 2009 197,724 miles

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Pass 5 Mar 2008 181,858 miles
Fail 4 Mar 2008 181,813 miles

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

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

front number plate cracked

Pass 9 Feb 2007 159,745 miles
Fail 9 Feb 2007 159,745 miles

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Pass 25 Feb 2006 139,277 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

M853 TBU is a 1998 Mazda MX-5 in Blue with a 1,839cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 41 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 51.2%.

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 M853 TBU, 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 M853 TBU?

You can check the full history of M853 TBU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M853 TBU registered?

M853 TBU is a 1998 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 28 May 1998.

Is M853 TBU safe to buy?

The MOT history for M853 TBU shows 41 tests with a 51.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does M853 TBU 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 M853 TBU. 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.