Mazda Xedos 9 (1997)
1997 Mazda Xedos 9
CarHunch analysed 131 real MOT records for the 1997 Mazda Xedos 9. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1997 Mazda Xedos 9 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 71.6%, which sits notably below the UK average of 80%, and nearly a quarter of these vehicles (23.7%) have recorded dangerous defects at some point—a significant red flag for safety-critical issues. This is not a reliably compliant car by modern standards.
At an average mileage of 100,097 miles for a 27-year-old vehicle, these Xedoses are running fairly hard, and they're failing with an average of 2.38 defects per test plus 10 advisories, suggesting wear and corrosion have taken their toll. If you're considering one, budget for immediate work on brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems, and insist on a full pre-purchase inspection by a Mazda specialist.
What to check before buying a 1997 Mazda Xedos 9
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 23.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mazda Xedos 9
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Mazda Xedos 9 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1997 Mazda Xedos 9 vehicles fall between 79,154 and 120,375 miles.
1997 Mazda Xedos 9 — Still on the Road
10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2016 — 59% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2016.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mazda Xedos 9?
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