1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P352 HOE

The vehicle currently presents a concerning roadworthiness status due to a history of mechanical neglect and structural instability. While it passed its most recent test in June 2024 at 115,324 miles, this followed a comprehensive failure just two days prior at 115,322 miles. The trend indicates a reactive approach to maintenance rather than proactive care, as the presence of multiple safety-critical failures in a single session suggests that the vehicle was only addressed when forced by the legal requirement to remain on the road. At nearly 29 years old, the recorded mileage of 115,324 miles represents an average of approximately 4,000 miles per year. This low-intensity usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and seals due to age rather than simple mechanical wear. The two-mile gap between the June 2024 failure and pass indicates the car likely sat stationary while repairs were performed, which can lead to stagnation that often contributes to the state of the exhaust system and fluid delivery noted in the record. A physical inspection must prioritize the structural integrity of the offside rear sub-frame, as the 2024 failure flagged an insecure mounting bracket and missing bolts. This is a significant safety risk on an MX-5 where sub-frame corrosion often compromises these points. You should also verify the integrity of the track rod ends and ball joints, as the record shows missing locking pins on both front sides, which suggests a lack of attention to detail or poor assembly during previous mechanical work. The exhaust system requires close scrutiny following the major gas leak that prevented an emissions test in June 2024. Given the previous issues with the washer system, fog lamp operation, and headlamp alignment, the electrical and fluid delivery systems require thorough testing to ensure the repairs made were not merely temporary fixes to pass the test.