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P168 GRA

1997 Mazda MX-5

Black Petrol 1598cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires17 Apr 2026
Tests25 (16 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate64%

Mileage

126,621 mi
Last recorded126,621 miles
Recorded on13 May 2026
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP168 GRA
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourBlack
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

16 pass 9 fail
Fail 13 May 2026 126,621 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Inner wing. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Inner sill. (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Outer sill. (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the left. (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Offside Rear Lower Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting insecure Front arm, bolt. (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

Nearside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 14 Apr 2025 119,128 miles

Brake fluid close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Sill has corrosion

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

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

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

Offside Front Sill has corrosion

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 12 Apr 2025 119,072 miles

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

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

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

Brake fluid close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Sill has corrosion

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

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

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

Offside Front Sill has corrosion

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

Pass 3 Apr 2024 110,671 miles

Corrosion too nearside front outer sill

Corrosion too nearside rear inner sill

Corrosion too offside front outer sill

Corrosion too offside rear inner sill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 3 Apr 2024 110,669 miles

Offside Upper Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Corrosion too nearside front outer sill

Corrosion too nearside rear inner sill

Corrosion too offside front outer sill

Corrosion too offside rear inner sill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 18 Apr 2023 106,045 miles

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

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

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

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

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

corrosion to nearside front outer sill

corrosion to offside front outer sill

corrosion to offside inner sill

Fail 17 Apr 2023 106,045 miles

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

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

Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Position lamp switch does not illuminate the front and rear position lamps with a single operation (4.2.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

corrosion to nearside front outer sill

corrosion to offside front outer sill

corrosion to offside inner sill

Pass 6 Apr 2022 103,635 miles

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

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

Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive subframe corroded (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 7 Jun 2021 103,053 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material All brake pipes front and rear (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 12 May 2020 102,083 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material All round (1.1.11 (c))

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Both front and osr (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 11 May 2020 102,080 miles

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

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material All round (1.1.11 (c))

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Both front and osr (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 8 Oct 2018 98,306 miles

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

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

Fail 8 Oct 2018 98,306 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Pass 26 Jun 2014 95,833 miles

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

Fail 26 Jun 2014 95,833 miles

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

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

Pass 29 Jun 2013 93,324 miles
Pass 2 Aug 2012 91,387 miles

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

Pass 28 Jul 2011 88,762 miles

rear brake discs worn

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

Pass 28 Jul 2010 85,878 miles

O/S outer sill getting weak

Fail 18 May 2010 85,175 miles

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

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

Centre Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

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

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

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

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Pass 3 Aug 2009 83,908 miles

Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Nail in offside rear tyre

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

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

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

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)

corrosion to offside sill

exhaust heat shield rattling around catalytic converter

front number plate cracked

Fail 3 Aug 2009 283,908 miles

Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Nail in offside rear tyre

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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)

corrosion to offside sill

exhaust heat shield rattling around catalytic converter

front number plate cracked

Pass 24 Jul 2008 80,989 miles

overall srvice brake efficiency 53%

Pass 28 Jul 2007 75,692 miles
Pass 3 Aug 2006 69,622 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

P168 GRA is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Black with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 25 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64%.

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 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 P168 GRA, 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 P168 GRA?

You can check the full history of P168 GRA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P168 GRA registered?

P168 GRA is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 14 March 1997.

Is P168 GRA safe to buy?

The MOT history for P168 GRA shows 25 tests with a 64% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P168 GRA 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 P168 GRA. 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.