2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · E11 CBU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend regarding structural integrity and corrosion. While it passed its most recent test on 24 June 2026 at 112,784 miles, this followed a significant failure just two days prior. The June 2026 failure identified excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension component mounting area, which significantly reduced structural strength. This indicates that while immediate faults have been rectified, the underlying chassis is entering a phase of advanced degradation that requires close monitoring to prevent further structural failure. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle of its age, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per year. The car progressed from 72,707 miles in May 2016 to 112,784 miles by June 2026, showing steady but slow accumulation. However, low mileage often masks age-related issues. The recurring nature of binding brakes and seat belt damage noted between 2020 and 2023 suggests the vehicle may sit for extended periods, leading to corrosion of metal surfaces and degradation of rubber components. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody, specifically focusing on the nearside rear mounting points where the tester recently flagged structural thinning. The history shows a recurring pattern of brake issues, with binding calipers noted in 2018, 2020, and 2023, which suggests a tendency for the braking system to seize due to inactivity. Additionally, the exhaust system has shown a minor leak in 2025 escalating to a major leak in 2026, indicating the system is nearing the end of its functional life. Verify that the structural repairs following the June 2026 failure have been professionally addressed rather than merely patched over.