1996 MAZDA MX-51.6L Petrol

The Mazda MX-5 currently holds a failed roadworthiness status following the 11 March 2026 test at 153,775 miles, where the tester recorded a failure with no defects listed. Prior to this, the vehicle passed every test from 11 February 2025 at 146,916 miles back through 17 November 2021 at 121,091 miles, all with no advisories or defects logged. The maintenance trend appears stable across four consecutive clean passes, then breaks abruptly with the most recent failure that lacks documented fault detail. The recorded mileage shows light annual use for a 30-year-old car, averaging roughly 5,126 miles per year against the 153,775 miles now shown. Between the 1 February 2023 test at 130,475 miles and the 11 February 2025 test at 146,916 miles the car covered 16,441 miles, a modest accumulation. A wider gap exists between 17 November 2021 at 121,091 miles and the prior entry, with no 2022 test recorded, suggesting either a lapse in testing or a period of limited use. The DVSA data itself is sparse and clean, carrying no advisories that would flag wear on consumables or structure. A buyer must treat the March 2026 failure with caution despite the absent defect text, as a pass with no faults cannot be assumed from a failed certificate. The long advisory-free history implies previous owners kept basic upkeep current, yet the lack of recorded checks on suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, and structural corrosion leaves those areas unverified for a vehicle of this age. In person, the buyer should inspect for chassis rail rust, sills, and suspension mounting points, alongside measuring brake disc wear and caliper operation. Confirm the reason for the 2026 failure through the full VOSA failure sheet, and verify the odometer against service stamps given the low yearly mileage and missing 2022 test.