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P117 JAU

1997 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1598cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires5 Aug 2027
Tests25 (20 pass, 5 fail)
Pass rate80%

Mileage

85,412 mi
Last recorded85,412 miles
Recorded on6 Aug 2026
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP117 JAU
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,598cc

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 5 fail
Pass 6 Aug 2026 85,412 miles

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

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

Fail 5 Aug 2026 85,412 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim unable to be tested no beam pattern (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp aim unable to be tested no beam pattern (4.1.2 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed 185/60/14 (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Pass 5 Aug 2025 77,148 miles

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

engine oil leak

Fail 4 Aug 2025 77,148 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device ineffective temporary cap fitted not sealing (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

engine oil leak

Pass 1 Aug 2024 66,716 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 185/60/14 (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Pass 1 Aug 2023 59,256 miles
Pass 6 Aug 2022 53,464 miles
Pass 16 Mar 2021 52,477 miles
Pass 18 Mar 2020 51,849 miles
Pass 28 Mar 2019 51,258 miles
Pass 10 Apr 2018 49,526 miles
Pass 11 Apr 2017 46,430 miles
Pass 16 Feb 2016 44,855 miles
Pass 13 Feb 2015 44,388 miles

baffles in rear silencer deteriorated

Fail 13 Feb 2015 44,388 miles

Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

baffles in rear silencer deteriorated

Pass 12 Mar 2014 43,696 miles
Pass 9 May 2013 38,099 miles
Pass 21 May 2012 38,263 miles

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

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

Suspension components corroded front and rear

Tyres perished

Fail 21 May 2012 36,263 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (1.8)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

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

Suspension components corroded front and rear

Tyres perished

Pass 26 Jan 2010 35,251 miles

Nearside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Pass 27 Jan 2009 34,744 miles
Pass 31 Jan 2008 33,405 miles

nearside sill to wing panel corrosion

Pass 31 Jan 2007 28,115 miles
Fail 24 Jan 2007 28,115 miles

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

Pass 31 Jan 2006 26,915 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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P117 JAU is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 25 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 80%.

Across all 1997 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.7% with a typical mileage of 85,711 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

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 P117 JAU, 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 29 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 P117 JAU?

You can check the full history of P117 JAU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P117 JAU registered?

P117 JAU is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 30 June 1997.

Is P117 JAU safe to buy?

The MOT history for P117 JAU shows 25 tests with a 80% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P117 JAU 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 P117 JAU. 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.