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R917 RFC

1997 Mazda MX-5

Grey Petrol 1839cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires2 May 2027
Tests32 (19 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate59.4%

Mileage

109,819 mi
Last recorded109,819 miles
Recorded on18 Apr 2026
Typical for 1997 Mazda MX-585,711 mi

Above average mileage for this year

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

RegistrationR917 RFC
MakeMazda
ModelMX-5
Year1997
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,839cc

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

19 pass 13 fail
Pass 18 Apr 2026 109,819 miles

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

Front Sub-frame 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 Integral body structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced jacking point (6.1.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Power steering pipe/hose slightly damaged (2.1.5 (g) (i))

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

Pass 3 May 2025 107,424 miles

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Offside Front 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))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

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

Fail 3 May 2025 107,424 miles

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Offside Front 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))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

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

Pass 2 Mar 2024 98,398 miles

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

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

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

Fail 2 Mar 2024 98,398 miles

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

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

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

Pass 17 Mar 2023 93,037 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced inner sill not within 30 cm of component mounting (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

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

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

Tyre wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch all 4x wheels/tyres (5.2.3 (f))

vehicle has general underside corrosion present

Fail 17 Mar 2023 93,037 miles

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

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))

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

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

Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced inner sill not within 30 cm of component mounting (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

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

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

Tyre wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch all 4x wheels/tyres (5.2.3 (f))

vehicle has general underside corrosion present

Pass 17 Aug 2021 89,578 miles

after market headlights fitted

general corrosion underside

slight exhaust leak

Fail 17 Aug 2021 89,578 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached no locking device (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached no locking device (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

after market headlights fitted

general corrosion underside

slight exhaust leak

Fail 12 Jun 2021 89,507 miles

Headlamp light source and lamp not compatible (4.1.4 (c))

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

Power steering component leaking (2.1.5 (a))

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached both front upper ball joints securing nut has no locking device present (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm and cracking on tread (5.2.3 (e))

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

front subframe in rusty condition

nearside front tyre perished and cracking badly on tread

offside front wheel arch slightly poor condition on inner edge

underside and suspension components rusty condition

undertray fitted

Pass 10 Jun 2020 81,073 miles

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

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

Pass 24 Apr 2019 79,363 miles

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both badly worn on inner face (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

all suspension parts badly corroded

Fail 24 Apr 2019 79,363 miles

Offside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively both (3.4 (b) (ii))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both badly worn on inner face (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

all suspension parts badly corroded

Pass 5 Apr 2018 79,357 miles

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

Fail 3 Apr 2018 79,357 miles

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

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

Pass 22 Dec 2016 79,352 miles

Rear exhaust tail pipe missing

all steel brake discs corrosion starting

Pass 10 Dec 2015 78,862 miles
Fail 8 Dec 2015 78,862 miles

Offside Front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)

Pass 5 Dec 2014 78,801 miles
Pass 5 Dec 2013 74,150 miles

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

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

o/s/r foot brake slightly low effort

Pass 3 Dec 2012 72,612 miles

both front tyres worn on edges

Fail 28 Jul 2011 72,528 miles

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

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

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

noise from water pump

Fail 28 Jul 2010 316,443 miles

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

noise from engine poss water pump

Pass 28 Jul 2010 69,943 miles

noise from engine poss water pump

Pass 31 Jul 2009 66,727 miles
Fail 21 Jul 2009 66,592 miles

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

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

Rear Rear fog lamp missing (1.3.2a)

Pass 4 Jul 2008 65,351 miles
Fail 28 Jun 2008 65,340 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Pass 17 Jul 2007 62,497 miles
Fail 17 Jul 2007 62,497 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Pass 20 Jul 2006 58,961 miles
Pass 15 Jul 2005 55,012 miles

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

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

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.

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R917 RFC is a 1997 Mazda MX-5 in Grey with a 1,839cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 59.4%.

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 R917 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 R917 RFC?

You can check the full history of R917 RFC by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R917 RFC registered?

R917 RFC is a 1997 Mazda MX-5, first registered on 15 August 1997.

Is R917 RFC safe to buy?

The MOT history for R917 RFC shows 32 tests with a 59.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R917 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 R917 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.