1991 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · H226 ANG

The vehicle presents a history of significant structural degradation that has recently stabilized following a critical failure. In the latest test in May 2025 at 126,021 miles, the car passed with a minor exhaust leak and light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber. This represents an improvement over the June 2022 failure at 123,523 miles, where the tester identified multiple structural corrosion failures across the inner and outer sills, chassis rails, and wheel arches. While the vehicle currently meets structural rigidity requirements, the persistence of corrosion in the integral body structure suggests an ongoing risk of rust that requires constant monitoring. At 35 years old, the recorded mileage of 126,021 miles reflects an average of approximately 3,600 miles per year. This low usage often correlates with the age-related failure of rubber components seen in the record. Between May 2023 and 2024, multiple tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing, indicating that the rubber compound is degrading due to time and exposure rather than tread wear. The record also shows a recurring issue with service brake calipers, with both nearside and offside front brakes noted as binding across three consecutive tests from 2023 to 2025. The mechanical history necessitates attention to the braking system and suspension components. The persistent binding of the front calipers suggests seized pistons or corroded sliders that require overhaul. Furthermore, the misting on the nearside front shock absorber in the 2025 test should be addressed before the seal fails completely. A prospective buyer should specifically inspect the sills and wheel arches to ensure that the repairs made after the 2022 structural failure are effective and are not merely masking new corrosion.