2013 MAZDA MX-52.0L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive preventative care. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 6,055 miles passed, it noted ongoing issues with pitting and scoring on both front brake discs. This follows a significant failure in September 2024 where the car failed on multiple mechanical and safety fronts, indicating that the components are likely suffering from degradation due to age rather than high mileage. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 13-year-old vehicle, covering only 6,055 miles at an average of less than 500 miles per year. Significant gaps between test dates, such as the 397-mile interval between October 2024 and October 2025, suggest the car sits stationary for long periods. This lack of use is the primary driver of the observed defects, specifically the perishing of rubber components noted in 2023 and the surface corrosion on metalwork that occurs when vehicles remain undisturbed. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front and rear sub-frames, as corrosion has been flagged in every test since 2022. Although the tester currently classifies this as not seriously weakened, the structural integrity of an MX-5 is highly sensitive to rust in these areas. The buyer should also inspect the vital springs, given that a pair was fractured during the 2024 failure, to ensure the replacements were of high quality and that no other suspension components are failing. The braking system requires close attention due to the recurring reports of thin pads and scored discs across all four wheels. Because the car is driven infrequently, the brake calipers may be prone to seizing, which leads to the uneven wear observed by the tester. Check the tyres for deep sidewall cracking and perishing, as the 2023 artwork confirmed the rubber is reaching the end of its life despite having remaining tread depth.