1998 Mazda B Series: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mazda B Series first registered in 1998: we looked at the 108 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 108 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1998 Mazda B Series MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Mazda B Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes43% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension43% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Rust and bodywork27% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Lights and electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors16% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Mazda B Series
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mazda B Series?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mazda B Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 391 | Lights and electrics 42% |
| 2005 | 1,056 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2004 | 517 | Brakes 44% |
| 2003 | 757 | Brakes 45% |
| 2002 | 710 | Brakes 40% |
| 2001 | 351 | Brakes 45% |
| 2000 | 505 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 1999 | 257 | Lights and electrics 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda B Series cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score