2004 MAZDA MX-51.8L PETROL

The 2004 Mazda MX-5 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 2025-10-21 at 65,031 miles returning a clean pass with zero defects. This marks a significant turnaround from the 2023 test cycle, where the car failed and passed within days on 2023-10-24 and 2023-10-27 respectively at around 42,485 miles. The earlier failure flagged corroded brake pipes, a split offside front tyre inner wall, and corrosion to both inner sills and the nearside rear outer sill. By the following day's retest, the brake pipe and tyre issues were resolved and the corrosion advisories were cleared, suggesting prompt remedial work was carried out. The 2024 test on 2024-10-25 at 54,953 miles also passed clean, confirming no new defects had emerged over the subsequent 10,000 miles. Two consecutive clean passes indicate the car has been properly maintained and the previous corrosion and braking concerns have not recurred. The mileage profile is notably low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 2,956 miles per year. The jump from 54,953 miles in October 2024 to 65,031 miles in October 2025 represents a sharp increase of 10,078 miles in twelve months, far exceeding the long-term average. This suggests a change in ownership or usage pattern, possibly from a period of light use or standing into more regular driving. The earlier record shows a steady but modest accumulation from 36,765 miles in October 2022 to 42,486 miles in October 2023, adding around 5,700 miles over that year. The sparse but consistent annual testing pattern is typical for a low-mileage classic sports car, though the recent mileage spike warrants attention to whether servicing frequency has kept pace with increased use. A buyer inspecting this MX-5 in person should pay close attention to the structural condition of the sills and subframes, given the 2023 advisories for corrosion to both inner sills and the nearside rear outer sill. Even though these were cleared at the 2025 test, Mazda MX-5s of this generation are notoriously prone to rust in these areas, and any recurrence would compromise structural integrity. The braking system also demands scrutiny. The 2022 test noted worn and pitted front and rear brake discs, and the 2023 failure involved corroded brake pipes. While these were addressed, a buyer should verify the condition of the discs, pads, and pipework, particularly at the rear section of the front-to-rear pipe where corrosion was previously hidden under grease. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be checked for deterioration, as low-mileage cars that have stood for extended periods can develop perished rubber and weakened springs despite minimal use. The split tyre inner wall flagged in 2023 raises a question about kerb damage or age-related sidewall degradation, so both front tyres should be inspected for uneven wear or cracking. Finally, given the sharp mileage increase in the last year, confirming whether the car has received a fresh service and fluid change is advisable to ensure the drivetrain is coping with more frequent use.