2009 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · KY59 CWZ

Significant mechanical wear on braking and suspension components was identified during the most recent inspection on 9 July 2026, leading to a failure just one day before the vehicle achieved its latest pass on 10 July 2026. The failure record highlights a dangerous defect regarding front brake pad thickness being below the 1.5 mm threshold, alongside major defects concerning excessively worn nearside and offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. While the vehicle has a history of passing tests without defects between 2015 and 2020, the recent emergence of multiple major and dangerous failures indicates a sudden shift in the mechanical state of wear-sensitive components. The vehicle has covered 58,038 miles over its 17-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 3,414 miles. This low annual mileage suggests the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary or has been used very sparingly. Mechanically, such a usage pattern can lead to the degradation of rubber components and the seizing of certain moving parts due to infrequent operation. The six-year gap in MOT records between February 2020 and July 2026 is a notable deviation from the previous annual testing pattern, which may correlate with the recent findings of worn suspension linkages and depleted brake material. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the condition of the braking system and the rear suspension during a test drive. Given the recent dangerous failure for thin brake pads, it is essential to check for any grinding noises during deceleration or a pulsation in the brake pedal, which could indicate uneven pad wear or disc deterioration. The failure of both rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints suggests that other suspension bushings or steering components may also be nearing the end of their service life. Listen for distinct knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or navigating speed bumps, as these are primary symptoms of worn ball joints or linkage components. Furthermore, the recent failure of both windscreen wipers to clear the glass effectively should be verified to ensure the motor and wiper arms are functioning correctly without streaking or skipping. While the 2018 advisory noted rear tyres being close to the legal limit, the current record does not list tyre advisories, so a visual inspection of the tread depth and sidewall integrity is still required. The combination of low mileage and the recent cluster of mechanical failures necessitates a thorough inspection of all rubber-to-metal interfaces and fluid levels to ensure that long periods of inactivity have not resulted in perished seals or perished suspension bushings.