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P297 LWK

1997 Mazda MX-5

Blue Petrol 1840cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires1 Oct 2026
Tests36 (20 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate55.6%

Mileage

195,459 mi
Last recorded195,459 miles
Recorded on2 Oct 2025
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP297 LWK
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,840cc

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 16 fail
Pass 2 Oct 2025 195,459 miles

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

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

Towbar component slightly worn towbar attatchment loose in socket (6.1.6 (b) (i))

clutch pedal rubber worn

subframe / suspension corrode covered in wax oil

tail box rusty slight blow and baffles noisy

Fail 2 Oct 2025 195,455 miles

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

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases tail box blowing and baffles loose in side (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Towbar component slightly worn towbar attatchment loose in socket (6.1.6 (b) (i))

clutch pedal rubber worn

subframe / suspension corrode covered in wax oil

Pass 1 Oct 2024 193,023 miles

Central Front TRAYS FITTED NOT ALLOWING FULL INSPECTION OF SOME ITEMS

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

Nearside Front brake slight binding

Nearside Rear shocker cover damaged

Nearside Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced CHASSIS RAIL DAMAGED (6.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front brake slight binding

Fail 20 Jun 2024 192,976 miles

Offside Rear Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner sill holed seat belt mounting within 30cm (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill returns within 30CM of set bel t (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced wheel arch rusted & holed within 30cm of seat belt (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Central Front under trays fitted not allowing full inspection of some components

Front clutch pedal rubber worn

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

Nearside Front brake binding

Nearside Rear shocker cover damaged

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

Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective slight splitting on ends (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front brake binding

unable to carry out full test on wheel bearings due to brake binding

Pass 19 Jul 2023 192,153 miles

Nearside Front Lower wing holed and corroded

Offside Rear inner sill holed and corroded

all brakes binding slightly

baffles loose in exhaust

clutch pedal rubber worn

towbar attatchment loose in socket

under trays fitted not allowing inspection of some components

Fail 10 Jul 2023 192,144 miles

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

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

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

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced outer sill within 30cm of seat mounting (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower wing holed and corroded

Nearside Front sidelight dim

Offside Rear inner sill holed and corroded

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

all brakes binding slightly

baffles loose in exhaust

clutch pedal rubber worn

exhaust heat shields slightly insecure

towbar attatchment loose in socket

under trays fitted not allowing inspection of some components

Pass 17 May 2022 191,003 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front lower part of wing holed

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

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

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp insecure (4.7.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear inner wheel arch corroded holed

Offside outer sill to rear arch some corrosion

Towball/hitch not fitted at time of test Towbar attachment arm and ball removed ()

general under side corrosion

tow bar 7 pin connector socket damaged

Fail 16 May 2022 191,001 miles

Offside Front Headlamp aim not tested dip / main not working (4.1.2 (b))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Towbar attachment insecure (6.1.6 (c) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front lower part of wing holed

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

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

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp insecure (4.7.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear inner wheel arch corroded holed

Offside outer sill to rear arch some corrosion

general under side corrosion

tow bar 7 pin connector socket damaged

Pass 6 May 2021 185,844 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (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))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (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))

various areas of floor and body corrosion, not considered structual

Fail 5 May 2021 185,844 miles

Brake fluid contaminated (1.8 (a))

Towbar attachment insecure (6.1.6 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (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))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (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))

various areas of floor and body corrosion, not considered structual

Pass 20 Mar 2020 185,624 miles

Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Fail 20 Mar 2020 185,623 miles

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Pass 2 Apr 2019 178,059 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2.5mm (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Fail 1 Apr 2019 178,058 miles

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2.5mm (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Pass 16 Mar 2018 173,154 miles
Pass 13 Mar 2017 166,862 miles

rear brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Fail 13 Mar 2017 166,861 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

rear brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Pass 4 Mar 2016 161,971 miles
Fail 4 Mar 2016 161,971 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (3.6.G.1b)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Pass 20 Mar 2015 154,666 miles

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

Fail 16 Mar 2015 154,666 miles

Nearside Inner Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Brake pipe leaking (3.6.A.1)

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

Pass 13 Mar 2014 151,283 miles

general corrosion to underside of vehicle

offside front brake slightly binding

play in rear tow bar

Fail 12 Mar 2014 151,279 miles

Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

general corrosion to underside of vehicle

nearside inner sill has slight corrosion

offside front brake slightly binding

offside inner sill corroded

play in rear tow bar

Pass 25 Feb 2013 145,945 miles

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

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

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

small spit in offside wiper blade at end

Fail 22 Feb 2013 145,938 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

Oil leak

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

small spit in offside wiper blade at end

Pass 14 Mar 2012 142,724 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 15 Mar 2011 136,519 miles

Both front brake discs corroded on inside .

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

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

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

Fail 14 Mar 2011 136,516 miles

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

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

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Both front brake discs corroded on inside .

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

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

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

Fail 26 Feb 2010 129,834 miles

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

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

Pass 26 Feb 2010 129,834 miles

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

Pass 10 Mar 2009 121,322 miles

Corrosion starting to appear underneath vehicle.

Fail 17 Mar 2008 114,835 miles

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

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

Pass 17 Mar 2008 114,835 miles
Pass 9 Jan 2007 109,274 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Pass 8 Feb 2006 97,235 miles
Fail 7 Feb 2006 97,183 miles

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

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

Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

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

P297 LWK is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Blue with a 1,840cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.6%.

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 P297 LWK, 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 P297 LWK?

You can check the full history of P297 LWK by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P297 LWK registered?

P297 LWK is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 4 February 1997.

Is P297 LWK safe to buy?

The MOT history for P297 LWK shows 36 tests with a 55.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P297 LWK 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 P297 LWK. 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.