2003 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · T44 DCE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than proactive care. While the recent test in March 2026 at 60,761 miles resulted in a pass, it followed an immediate failure due to multiple electrical and mechanical defects. The tester flagged the nearside headlamp and registration plate lamp, which were rectified for the retest, but the presence of thin offside rear brake pads indicates that components are only being addressed once they reach a failure threshold. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,642 miles per year. This low usage suggests the car has spent long periods stationary, which is supported by the significant gap in records between October 2020 and May 2022, where the car covered only 2,562 miles in seventeen months. Such infrequent use often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, as was evidenced by the 2020 advisory regarding perishing and cracking on the rear tyres due to age rather than tread wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the chassis and suspension integrity. The March 2026 test noted corrosion on the front suspension arms and rear sections which, while not yet seriously weakened, this represents a known failure point for this model that requires constant monitoring. You should specifically inspect the sills, inner wing arches, and mounting points to ensure the reported corrosion has not progressed into structural rot. Additionally, the low mileage justifies a check of the brake calipers and fluid, as these components can seize or corrode during long periods of inactivity.