1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Mazda 323 MOT pass rate and common faults

144 MOT tests in 2024. 60.4% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time60.4%
Failed or needed repairs39.6%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 144 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.6%
  3. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting4.2%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.5%
    9 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.8%
    9 marked dangerous
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.8%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.8%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes27.8%
  2. Suspension20.1%
  3. Body & chassis15.3%
  4. Lights & electrics13.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  6. Tyres6.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.7%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened15.3%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened14.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.2%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mazda 323?

In 2024, 60.4% of 1998 Mazda 323 cars passed their MOT first time, across 144 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Mazda 323?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Mazda 323 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).