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P980 PLX

1996 Mazda MX-5

Silver Petrol 1800cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires30 Apr 2027
Tests20 (14 pass, 6 fail)
Pass rate70%

Mileage

32,497 mi
Last recorded32,497 miles
Recorded on10 Apr 2026
Typical for 1996 Mazda MX-586,097 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

RegistrationP980 PLX
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1996
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,800cc

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

14 pass 6 fail
Pass 10 Apr 2026 32,497 miles
Pass 1 May 2025 32,365 miles

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

Fail 24 Apr 2025 32,352 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits exhaust backbox major leak (8.2.1.2 (c))

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

Pass 10 Oct 2023 32,341 miles
Pass 27 Apr 2016 32,265 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases leaking at cat - rear section join (7.1.2)

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Fail 19 Apr 2016 32,236 miles

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases leaking at cat - rear section join (7.1.2)

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

n/s/r brake binding slightly

Pass 1 May 2015 31,931 miles
Pass 22 Apr 2013 31,345 miles
Fail 28 Apr 2012 30,956 miles

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 28 Apr 2012 30,956 miles
Pass 12 Apr 2011 30,841 miles
Fail 11 Apr 2011 30,841 miles

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

Pass 4 May 2010 30,507 miles

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

Pass 16 Apr 2009 28,466 miles
Pass 22 Apr 2008 27,633 miles
Pass 24 Apr 2007 26,473 miles
Pass 27 Jun 2006 26,460 miles
Fail 27 Jun 2006 26,452 miles

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

Pass 11 May 2005 25,476 miles
Fail 11 May 2005 25,475 miles

Centre Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image too far to the left (1.6.B4)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

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

Nearside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Nearside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

both sills and chassis members have been heavaly coated in underseal.

long travel on handbrake lever. †

there is evidence that both main chassis members have been damaged and repaired.

there is evidence that the vehicle has been on a body jig as there are clamp marks on both sills. †

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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P980 PLX is a 1996 Mazda MX-5 in Silver with a 1,800cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 20 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 70%.

Across all 1996 Mazda MX-5 models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.8% with a typical mileage of 86,097 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 P980 PLX, 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 30 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 P980 PLX?

You can check the full history of P980 PLX by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P980 PLX registered?

P980 PLX is a 1996 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 31 December 1996.

Is P980 PLX safe to buy?

The MOT history for P980 PLX shows 20 tests with a 70% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P980 PLX 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 P980 PLX. 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.