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R307 EFA

1997 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1598cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires18 Nov 2026
Tests34 (20 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate58.8%

Mileage

143,070 mi
Last recorded143,070 miles
Recorded on19 Nov 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

RegistrationR307 EFA
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,598cc
View full Mazda MX-5 reliability data Browse other 1997 Mazda MX-5 registrations

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 14 fail
Pass 19 Nov 2025 143,070 miles

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

Fail 7 Nov 2025 143,001 miles

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

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

Fail 31 Oct 2025 142,979 miles

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

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

Pass 23 Oct 2024 140,739 miles

Nearside Front Inner Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Inner Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Inner Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Fail 14 Oct 2024 140,707 miles

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

Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Inner Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Inner Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Inner Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 24 Oct 2023 139,326 miles

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

Nearside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Integral body structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

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

Fail 16 Oct 2023 139,302 miles

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Brake performance unable to be tested (1.2.1 (g))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Integral body structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

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

Pass 19 Oct 2022 137,385 miles

Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Integral body structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Pass 8 Nov 2021 136,307 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp reflector slightly defective Corroded (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 13 Nov 2020 135,378 miles

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

Nearside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Fail 13 Nov 2020 135,370 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Hydraulic brake calliper leaking and braking performance affected (1.1.16 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Pass 28 Oct 2019 134,373 miles
Fail 18 Oct 2019 134,356 miles

Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

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

Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced door sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Pass 26 Oct 2018 133,253 miles

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

Fail 22 May 2018 133,248 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Offside Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system front to rear (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Pass 11 May 2017 131,005 miles

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outer sill (2.4.A.3)

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

Fail 4 May 2017 130,999 miles

Offside Rear Braking system leaking caliper (3.6.A.1)

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outer sill (2.4.A.3)

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

Pass 28 May 2016 125,574 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit bald on inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Pass 3 Jun 2015 119,687 miles

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

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

Pass 2 May 2014 116,521 miles
Fail 18 Apr 2014 116,521 miles

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

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

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

Pass 15 Apr 2013 111,427 miles

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

both front position(side) light showing slight blue color replace ASAP!!

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

Fail 4 Apr 2013 111,426 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Items removed from driver's view prior to test

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

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

slight tint of blue both front side lights

Pass 12 Apr 2012 104,783 miles

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

slight blow exhaust

Fail 11 Apr 2012 104,783 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)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

slight blow exhaust

Pass 28 Apr 2011 96,364 miles
Pass 15 Apr 2010 89,828 miles

Slight corrosion on the n/s sill but not considered excessive.

Fail 15 Apr 2010 89,828 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)

Slight corrosion on the n/s sill but not considered excessive.

Pass 9 May 2009 77,874 miles

o/s rear tyre at 2mm.

Fail 8 May 2009 77,874 miles

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

o/s rear tyre at 2mm.

Pass 6 May 2008 62,867 miles
Fail 6 May 2008 62,864 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)

Pass 23 May 2007 55,643 miles

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

Pass 8 May 2006 46,304 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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R307 EFA is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.8%.

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 R307 EFA, 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 R307 EFA?

You can check the full history of R307 EFA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R307 EFA registered?

R307 EFA is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 15 August 1997.

Is R307 EFA safe to buy?

The MOT history for R307 EFA shows 34 tests with a 58.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R307 EFA 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 R307 EFA. 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.