1998 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · R29 OBL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding structural integrity. While the most recent test on May 6 2025 at 129,298 miles passed, the tester identified new corrosion on the offside rear structure or chassis within 30cm of a mounting. This follows a progression from the April 2024 advisory where the offside suspension component mounting was already flagged for corrosion. The persistence of these issues suggests active oxidation that requires monitoring despite low mileage. The recorded mileage of 129,298 miles over 28 years represents a low annual usage pattern, averaging approximately 4,600 miles per year. The data shows consistent use in recent years, with roughly 3,000 miles covered between April 2023 and April 2024, and another 1,414 miles between April 2024 and May 2025. This low mileage often correlates with periods of standing, which can accelerate the type of surface pitting and structural corrosion noted in the MOT record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the sills, chassis mounting points, and suspension arms. The history shows recurring issues with the rear braking system, including pitted discs and fluctuating brakes noted in April 2023. Additionally, the exhaust system has been a recurring fault since 2023, with a minor leak that has not appeared to have been fully rectified across multiple tests. Given the previous failure of the front lower suspension arms in 2023, the integrity of all bushes and bolts should be verified to ensure further degradation is imminent.