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P501 WGF

1997 Mazda MX-5

Black Petrol 1598cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires7 Feb 2022
Tests30 (16 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate53.3%

Mileage

169,133 mi
Last recorded169,133 miles
Recorded on28 Feb 2023
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP501 WGF
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 14 fail
Fail 28 Feb 2023 169,133 miles

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp missing (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

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

Headlamp switch does not immediately illuminate all dipped beam headlamps (4.1.3 (a))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (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 Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (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 Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 8 Feb 2021 168,988 miles

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

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

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

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

front and rear suspension starting to corrode

Fail 8 Feb 2021 168,988 miles

Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

front and rear suspension starting to corrode

Pass 2 Dec 2019 167,291 miles

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

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

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

all front and rear suspention rusting

Fail 18 Nov 2019 167,291 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

Offside Obligatory mirror does not provide a view to the rear (3.3 (c))

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

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

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

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

all front and rear suspention rusting

Pass 28 Nov 2018 167,135 miles

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

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

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

all front and rear suspention rusting

Fail 27 Nov 2018 167,135 miles

Offside Obligatory mirror does not provide a view to the rear (3.3 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

all front and rear suspention rusting

Pass 8 Nov 2017 163,649 miles

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

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

all front and rear suspention rusting

Fail 2 Nov 2017 163,649 miles

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

Offside Obligatory mirror seriously deteriorated, affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner wing (2.4.A.3)

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

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

all front and rear suspention rusting

Pass 1 Nov 2016 160,858 miles

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

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

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

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

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

Fail 28 Oct 2016 160,858 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded floor pan/inner sill (5.2.6)

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

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

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

Front Suspension arm 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)

Pass 1 Oct 2015 160,213 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 30 Sep 2015 160,213 miles

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

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Sep 2014 155,037 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front & Rear subframes have surface rust

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Fail 23 Sep 2014 155,037 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

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

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front & Rear subframes have surface rust

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Pass 17 Sep 2013 149,617 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Rear subframe mounting area slightly corroded

Pass 19 Sep 2012 131,775 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

rear diff corroded

Fail 19 Sep 2012 131,775 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means (7.2.4b)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

rear diff corroded

Pass 1 Oct 2011 123,013 miles

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

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

Fail 27 Sep 2011 123,013 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 30 Sep 2010 112,973 miles

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

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

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

Fail 30 Sep 2010 112,973 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 13 Aug 2010 111,836 miles

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

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

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

Fail 4 Aug 2010 111,834 miles

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

Offside Headlamp aim not tested (1.8.A.1c)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

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

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

Pass 29 Sep 2009 105,980 miles
Pass 30 Sep 2008 97,126 miles

All 4 shock absorber inner rubbers split but not affecting damping effect.

Fail 29 Sep 2008 1 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

All 4 shock absorber inner rubbers split but not affecting damping effect.

Pass 17 Oct 2007 88,021 miles
Fail 12 Oct 2007 88,016 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

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

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

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

Pass 24 Apr 2006 78,918 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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P501 WGF is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Black with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.3%.

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 P501 WGF, 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 P501 WGF?

You can check the full history of P501 WGF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P501 WGF registered?

P501 WGF is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 30 April 1997.

Is P501 WGF safe to buy?

The MOT history for P501 WGF shows 30 tests with a 53.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P501 WGF 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 P501 WGF. 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.