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R852 RFC

1997 Mazda MX-5

Green Petrol 1598cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires26 Mar 2027
Tests33 (20 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate60.6%

Mileage

102,429 mi
Last recorded102,429 miles
Recorded on18 Mar 2026
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR852 RFC
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourGreen
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

20 pass 13 fail
Pass 18 Mar 2026 102,429 miles

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 18 Mar 2026 102,429 miles

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 27 Mar 2025 100,581 miles

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 21 Mar 2025 100,581 miles

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 21 Mar 2024 98,687 miles

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Fail 18 Mar 2024 98,687 miles

Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Pass 21 Mar 2023 94,209 miles

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

Fail 20 Mar 2023 94,209 miles

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Pass 25 Mar 2022 88,579 miles

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

Fail 18 Mar 2022 88,578 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 12 Mar 2021 83,671 miles

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

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

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

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Both rear inner sills (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 13 Mar 2020 79,988 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

nearside and offside outer sill/seat belt anchorage points heavily surface corroded

Pass 21 Mar 2019 77,571 miles

Outer sills have corrosion

Fail 21 Mar 2019 77,571 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Nearside Rear Tyre obviously under inflated (5.2.3 (h) (i))

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

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

Outer sills have corrosion

Pass 8 Mar 2018 75,950 miles

Outer sills have corrosion

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

Fail 1 Mar 2018 75,946 miles

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

Nearside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

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

Nearside Rear Nail in tyre Puncture ()

Outer sills have corrosion

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

Pass 2 Mar 2017 71,581 miles

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

outer sills have corrosion

Fail 1 Mar 2017 71,581 miles

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

outer sills have corrosion

Pass 2 Feb 2016 66,002 miles

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

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

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

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

Outer sills have corrosion.

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 2 Feb 2016 66,002 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outer sills have corrosion.

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 2 Mar 2015 60,962 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

front tyres starting to show signs of age

outer sills have corrosion

Fail 2 Mar 2015 60,962 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

front tyres starting to show signs of age

outer sills have corrosion

Pass 6 Feb 2014 54,519 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Outer sills have corrosion

Fail 6 Feb 2014 54,519 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Outer sills have corrosion

Pass 3 Jan 2013 48,839 miles

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

Corrosion on both rear outer sills

Nail in offside rear tyre

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

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 18 Jan 2012 44,924 miles

advance corrosion to o/s outer sill needs attention

battery insecure

exhaust corroded

front wipers poor

n/s outer sill corroded

rear inner discs corroded

stone chips in windscreen

Fail 17 Jan 2012 44,924 miles

Nearside Inner Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

advance corrosion to o/s outer sill needs attention

battery insecure

exhaust corroded

front wipers poor

n/s outer sill corroded

rear inbalance

rear inner discs corroded

stone chips in windscreen

Pass 28 Jun 2010 43,081 miles

ccorrosion to o/s outer sill

exhaust corroded

rear brake pads wearing low

rear number plate water damaged

stone chips in windscreen

Pass 3 Jul 2009 39,651 miles

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

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

Pass 6 Jun 2008 37,835 miles
Pass 2 Jul 2007 36,248 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Jun 2006 33,508 miles

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

offside rear tyre tread wearing low

Fail 23 Jun 2006 33,508 miles

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)

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

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

nearside rear tyre tread just on legal limit

offside rear tyre tread wearing low

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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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

R852 RFC is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Green with a 1,598cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60.6%.

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 R852 RFC, 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 R852 RFC?

You can check the full history of R852 RFC by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R852 RFC registered?

R852 RFC is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 22 August 1997.

Is R852 RFC safe to buy?

The MOT history for R852 RFC shows 33 tests with a 60.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R852 RFC 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 R852 RFC. 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.