CarVerify
CarVerify
Sign in Check a vehicle

Free Car Check

R603 OGF

1997 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1839cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires3 Aug 2027
Tests34 (20 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate58.8%

Mileage

148,592 mi
Last recorded148,592 miles
Recorded on4 Aug 2026
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 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

RegistrationR603 OGF
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,839cc
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 4 Aug 2026 148,592 miles
Fail 16 Jul 2026 148,592 miles

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

Fail 12 Jun 2026 148,536 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

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

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill not connected to inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp lens seriously defective (4.2.1 (b))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Upper Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Pass 7 Dec 2024 145,243 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

Fail 2 Dec 2024 145,243 miles

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

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

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

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

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

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

Pass 6 Dec 2023 142,728 miles

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 sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 6 Dec 2023 142,728 miles

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 sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))

Pass 29 Oct 2022 140,304 miles

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 sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 9 Sep 2021 134,468 miles

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 31 Aug 2021 134,067 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 1 Sep 2020 127,598 miles

Inner general surface corrosion to underneath of body and componants

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 1 Sep 2020 127,598 miles

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Upper Stop lamp(s) not working high level (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Inner general surface corrosion to underneath of body and componants

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 3 Jun 2019 123,009 miles

front suspension componants surface corrosion

rear subframe surface corroded

Fail 29 May 2019 123,009 miles

Nearside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Front Fluid leak, but not excessive water leak from radiator (8.4.1 (a) (i))

front suspension componants surface corrosion

rear subframe surface corroded

Pass 18 Jun 2018 119,499 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Pass 4 Jul 2017 116,106 miles

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated both (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Fail 26 Jun 2017 116,105 miles

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

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

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated both (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 24 Jun 2016 113,617 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Fail 21 Jun 2016 113,617 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 12 Jun 2015 109,792 miles

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

Oil leak

Fail 8 Jun 2015 109,792 miles

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Oil leak

Pass 26 Jun 2014 106,366 miles

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

all suspension components have corrosion

Fail 24 Jun 2014 106,366 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (4.1.D.1f)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

all suspension components have corrosion

Pass 27 Jun 2013 102,701 miles

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

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

Pass 1 Jun 2012 98,628 miles

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

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

Fail 25 May 2012 98,628 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (4.1.D.1f)

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

Offside Rear coil spring cracked (2.4.C.1a)

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

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

Pass 3 Jun 2011 97,335 miles
Pass 1 Jun 2010 96,226 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 24 Jun 2009 94,594 miles
Fail 19 Jun 2009 94,594 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre(s) incorrect because a lightweight or space saving wheel is fitted (4.1.A.1b)

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

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

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

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

long travel on handbrake

Pass 9 Jun 2008 92,559 miles
Pass 14 Jun 2007 87,821 miles
Pass 12 Jun 2006 83,841 miles
Fail 20 May 2006 83,733 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Offside front tyre apears to be under inflated

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.

Get full report — £4.99 Single check — £9.99
£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

R603 OGF is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,839cc 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 R603 OGF, 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 R603 OGF?

You can check the full history of R603 OGF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R603 OGF registered?

R603 OGF is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is R603 OGF safe to buy?

The MOT history for R603 OGF 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 R603 OGF 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 R603 OGF. 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.