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N181 KGO

1996 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1840cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires12 Nov 2026
Tests34 (20 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate58.8%

Mileage

189,864 mi
Last recorded189,864 miles
Recorded on13 Nov 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

RegistrationN181 KGO
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1996
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,840cc
View full Mazda MX-5 reliability data Browse other 1996 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 14 fail
Pass 13 Nov 2025 189,864 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Fail 4 Nov 2025 189,848 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 4 Apr 2024 189,504 miles

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced all underbody (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Fail 6 Feb 2024 189,481 miles

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

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

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

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced all under body (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front 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))

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

Pass 24 Jan 2023 189,207 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly damaged (1.1.12 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly damaged (1.1.12 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly damaged (1.1.12 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly damaged (1.1.12 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 10 Feb 2022 188,847 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 27 Jan 2022 188,829 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 25 Jan 2021 188,688 miles

Both inner wings slight corroded

All front suspension ball joint dust boots slightly deteriorated

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Inner Windscreen washer aim poor

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

Fail 11 Jan 2021 188,671 miles

Nearside Front 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))

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

Offside 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))

All front suspension ball joint dust boots slightly deteriorated

Both inner wings slight corroded

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Inner Windscreen washer aim poor

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

Pass 15 Jul 2019 187,775 miles

Offside Front lower wing holed and corroded

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

Fail 2 Jul 2019 187,701 miles

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

Offside Front lower wing holed and corroded

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

Pass 22 Jun 2018 186,039 miles
Fail 18 Jun 2018 185,999 miles

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

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

Pass 17 Jul 2017 184,719 miles

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

Nearside Front Inner Body has slight corrosion wing (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

Offside Front Inner Body has slight corrosion wing (6.1.B.2)

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

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded across rear axle (3.6.B.2c)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

all four coil springs corroded

Fail 22 Jun 2017 184,598 miles

Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings inner sill to floor (6.1.B.2)

Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings inner sill to floor (6.1.B.2)

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

Nearside Front Body has slight corrosion inner wing (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion inner wing (6.1.B.2)

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

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded across rear axle (3.6.B.2c)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 16 Jun 2016 182,059 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 16 Jun 2016 182,059 miles

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 19 Jun 2015 177,555 miles

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 18 Jun 2015 177,540 miles

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 18 Jun 2014 172,698 miles

Both outer rear wheel arches corroded

Inner Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 17 Jun 2014 172,672 miles

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

Both outer rear wheel arches corroded

Inner Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

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

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 21 Jun 2013 167,730 miles

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

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

both rear wheel arches corroded

Fail 12 Jun 2013 167,601 miles

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

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

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

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

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

both rear wheel arches corroded

Pass 13 Jun 2012 162,356 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nail in offside rear tyre

Oil leak

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

wipers smeering screen slightly

Pass 14 Jun 2011 156,280 miles

Both inner sills corroded

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

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

Oil leak

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

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

Wipers smearing screen slightly

Fail 13 Jun 2011 156,280 miles

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

Both inner sills corroded

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

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

Oil leak

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

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

Wipers smearing screen slightly

Pass 1 Jul 2010 151,458 miles

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

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

Fail 29 Jun 2010 151,456 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

Pass 25 Jun 2009 141,588 miles

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Pass 1 Jul 2008 126,084 miles

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

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

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

Pass 29 Jun 2007 108,063 miles
Fail 26 Jun 2007

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Pass 14 Jun 2006 92,494 miles

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

Pass 9 Jun 2005 83,100 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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N181 KGO is a 1996 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,840cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.8%.

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 N181 KGO, 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 N181 KGO?

You can check the full history of N181 KGO by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N181 KGO registered?

N181 KGO is a 1996 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 26 April 1996.

Is N181 KGO safe to buy?

The MOT history for N181 KGO shows 34 tests with a 58.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N181 KGO 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 N181 KGO. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

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