1995 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · N846 MFH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass in the February 2026 test, but the maintenance trend indicates a period of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed the most recent inspection at 124,832 miles, the record reveals a history of mechanical failures, particularly those in April 2024. The presence of a corroded exhaust and minor leak in the 2026 test suggests that while the immediate failures from the previous year were addressed, the exhaust system is beginning to degrade again, requiring ongoing attention. At 31 years old, the recorded mileage of 124,832 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 4,000 miles. However, the data shows a spike in usage between March 2023 and May 2024, where the car covered over 4,300 miles in just fourteen months. This period of activity followed long stretches of relative inactivity, which often contributes to the surface rust and corrosion issues seen on the suspension components and underbody as noted in the 2023 and 2024 tests. A physical inspection must focus on the structural integrity of the underbody and suspension mounting points, as the tester has repeatedly flagged corrosion over the last three years. The April 2024 failure regarding imbalanced rear brakes and an inoperative parking brake indicates that the braking system is prone to seizing after periods of use. A buyer should verify that the parking brake now operates effectively and check the rear brake calipers for binding or excessive wear, specifically looking for signs of thinning metal on the exhaust that led to the 2026 advisory.