MAZDA MX-51995 · 1.8L PETROL

The 1995 Mazda MX-5 presents a mixed but broadly stable roadworthiness profile as of its most recent MOT on 27 October 2025 at 122,150 miles. That test passed, yet the tester flagged corrosion on both front coil springs and multiple suspension arms plus the central rear sub-frame, all noted as not seriously weakened at the time. Comparing this to the 2024 test at 121,165 miles reveals a worsening trend in the number and spread of corrosion advisories, with the 2025 test adding front coil spring corrosion that was absent the previous year. The maintenance pattern suggests the car has been kept roadworthy but not proactively rust-proofed or undersealed, with surface corrosion gradually accumulating across the suspension and sub-frame rather than being arrested. Mileage accumulation is notably low for a 31-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 3,940 miles per year. The record shows 118,372 miles in October 2021, 119,117 in October 2022, 119,616 in October 2023, 121,165 in October 2024, and 122,150 in October 2025, indicating a modest uptick in annual use from around 500 miles per year between 2022 and 2023 to approximately 1,500 miles per year between 2024 and 2025. There are no glaring gaps in the MOT sequence, with annual tests recorded each October, and the mileage progression is consistent and plausible. The low overall mileage limits mechanical wear on consumables, which explains the relatively clean brake and tyre history apart from rear pad wear noted in 2021 and minor rear tyre perishing flagged in 2024. A buyer inspecting this MX-5 in person should focus on the structural integrity of the sub-frame, suspension mounting points, and coil springs, as recurring corrosion advisories across multiple tests point to an ongoing exposure to moisture and road salt without adequate protection. The front coil springs warrant close scrutiny since corrosion on a load-bearing spring can lead to sudden fracture, particularly on a vehicle of this age. Rear suspension arms and shock absorbers also deserve attention, given the 2024 advisory for light oil misting on the nearside rear damper. While the corrosion has not yet been classified as seriously weakened, the trajectory suggests a buyer should budget for rust treatment, possible undersealing, and eventual replacement of corroded springs and arms if the car is to be used regularly or exposed to winter conditions.