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N298 BTF

1996 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1839cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Jan 2027
Tests31 (19 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate61.3%

Mileage

149,775 mi
Last recorded149,775 miles
Recorded on24 Jan 2026
Typical for 1996 Mazda MX-586,097 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationN298 BTF
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1996
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,839cc
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

19 pass 12 fail
Pass 24 Jan 2026 149,775 miles

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Pass 12 Jul 2024 148,602 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Boot floor corroded but not within prescribed area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Rear diff (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))

Fail 1 Jul 2024 148,602 miles

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

Nearside Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Inner sill corroded (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Boot floor corroded but not within prescribed area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Rear diff (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))

Pass 5 Jul 2023 147,434 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Fail 8 Jun 2023 147,297 miles

Offside Obligatory mirror insecure (3.3 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (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))

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

rear diff corroded

Pass 1 Dec 2021 146,098 miles

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Pass 5 Oct 2020 144,991 miles

slight corrosion to underbody

Pass 29 May 2019 144,077 miles

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

all suspension arms corroded

Fail 28 May 2019 144,076 miles

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

Offside Front Brake hose excessively chafed rubbing wheel on lock (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

all suspension arms corroded

Pass 29 May 2018 143,406 miles

Offside Rear Outer sill slight rust

Pass 20 May 2017 142,253 miles

Body has slight corrosion underside of vehicle corroded (6.1.B.2)

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

Pass 27 May 2016 141,525 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Wiper blade split

Slight oil leak

Underside slightly corroded in places

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

Fail 19 May 2016 141,525 miles

Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

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

Nearside rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle 33% (3.7.B.5b)

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

Nearside Rear Brake slightly binding

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Wiper blade split

Slight oil leak

Underside slightly corroded in places

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

Pass 26 May 2015 140,447 miles

Both front wiper blades split

Nearside seat belt retracting mechanism only works with ignition off

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

Rear brake discs slightly pitted

Underside corroded in places

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

Fail 20 May 2015 140,415 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

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

Both front wiper blades split

Nearside seat belt retracting mechanism only works with ignition off

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear brake discs slightly pitted

Underside corroded in places

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

Fail 20 May 2014 138,993 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Exhaust corroded

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber 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)

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

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

Pass 20 May 2014 138,993 miles

Exhaust corroded

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber 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)

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

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

Pass 23 May 2013 137,915 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 22 May 2013 137,915 miles

Nearside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (5.2.5b)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 30 May 2012 133,146 miles

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

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

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

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

Fail 24 May 2012 133,146 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

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

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

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

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

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

Pass 19 May 2011 127,207 miles

Front brake discs corroded

A/C Radiator deteriorated

Battery insecure

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside front brake juddering slightly (3.7.A.2b)

Underside corroded in places

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

Fail 16 May 2011 127,207 miles

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

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

A/C Radiator deteriorated

Battery insecure

Front brake discs corroded

Nearside rear brake binding slightly

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

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside front brake juddering slightly (3.7.A.2b)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Underside corroded in places

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

Pass 26 May 2010 118,942 miles

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

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

Fail 25 May 2010 118,938 miles

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

Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

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

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

Pass 28 May 2009 114,963 miles
Fail 21 May 2009 114,593 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (2.7.5)

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

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

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

Pass 22 May 2008 108,655 miles
Pass 25 May 2007 104,373 miles
Fail 21 May 2007 104,372 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 9 May 2006 94,849 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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N298 BTF is a 1996 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,839cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.3%.

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 N298 BTF, 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 N298 BTF?

You can check the full history of N298 BTF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N298 BTF registered?

N298 BTF is a 1996 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 31 December 1996.

Is N298 BTF safe to buy?

The MOT history for N298 BTF shows 31 tests with a 61.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N298 BTF 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 N298 BTF. 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.