CarVerify

Free Car Check

P61 RYB

1998 Mazda MX-5

Red Petrol 1598cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires4 Sep 2026
Tests31 (17 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate54.8%

Mileage

220,492 mi
Last recorded220,492 miles
Recorded on5 Sep 2025
Typical for 1998 Mazda MX-586,993 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationP61 RYB
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1998
ColourRed
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

17 pass 14 fail
Pass 5 Sep 2025 220,492 miles

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

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

general underside corrosion

Fail 21 Aug 2025 220,478 miles

Emissions unable to be completed Exhaust blow (8.2.1.2 (d))

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

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

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired Chassis leg (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

general underside corrosion

Pass 4 Apr 2024 215,510 miles

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Fail 21 Mar 2024 215,496 miles

Emissions unable to be completed due to vehicle overheating (8.2.1.2 (d))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear fog lamp does not emit a steady red light (4.5.4 (a))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Pass 24 Mar 2023 207,887 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Fail 8 Dec 2022 207,867 miles

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

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded footwell floor (2.1.2 (e) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded across from o/s/r to n/s/r (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced chassis rail (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Pass 8 Dec 2021 199,831 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Rear inner sills showing signs of corrosion

underside of vehicle showing signs of corrosion

Pass 7 Dec 2020 195,967 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material various at rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Front slight play in inner steering arm

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

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

Rear fog lamp lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.5.1 (b) (i))

Fail 1 Dec 2020 195,961 miles

Brake performance not tested leaking fluid (1.2.1 (g))

Emissions not tested lack of engine oil emissions were high on CO when warm (8.2.1.2 (d))

Offside Front Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material various at rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Front slight play in inner steering arm

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

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

Pass 5 Jun 2019 191,251 miles

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 24 May 2019 191,251 miles

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

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

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 21 May 2018 186,849 miles

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Coolant leak ()

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 9 May 2017 182,963 miles

Coolant leak ()

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Fail 4 May 2017 182,963 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)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

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

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Coolant leak ()

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Pass 18 May 2016 177,149 miles

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

Fail 5 May 2016 177,149 miles

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

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Upper Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 16 May 2015 173,400 miles
Fail 14 May 2015 173,397 miles

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

Rear fog lamp insecure (1.3.2a)

Fail 6 May 2015 173,392 miles

Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

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

Rear fog lamp insecure (1.3.2a)

Fail 16 Mar 2015 173,374 miles

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

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear brake caliper leaking (3.6.A.1) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Oil leak

Pass 7 Mar 2014 166,650 miles

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Oil leak

Pass 27 Feb 2013 160,989 miles
Fail 29 Jan 2013 160,986 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Steering wheel retaining device insecure (2.1.6)

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

Pass 29 Jun 2011 155,858 miles

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

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

slight play in steering wheel

Fail 17 Jun 2011 155,835 miles

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

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

Offside Front Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

slight play in steering wheel

Pass 10 May 2010 151,065 miles

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

locking divice not visable o/s track rod end

Pass 11 May 2009 51,458 miles
Fail 6 May 2009 51,458 miles

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Pass 9 May 2008 49,046 miles

all four tyres worn on edges

Pass 29 May 2007 48,787 miles
Fail 23 May 2007 48,787 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Rear Rear fog lamp missing (1.3.2a)

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

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

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

P61 RYB is a 1998 Mazda MX-5 in Red with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.8%.

Across all 1998 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 71.9% with a typical mileage of 86,993 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 P61 RYB, 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 28 years old, this Mazda MX-5 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P61 RYB?

You can check the full history of P61 RYB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P61 RYB registered?

P61 RYB is a 1998 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 1 May 1998.

Is P61 RYB safe to buy?

The MOT history for P61 RYB shows 31 tests with a 54.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P61 RYB 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 P61 RYB. 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.