1991 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · UBZ 6494

The 1991 Mazda MX-5 holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 12 June 2026 at 135,612 miles, passing with several corrosion-related advisories. The maintenance trend is stable but chronically unresolved. The tester flagged corroded brake pipes coated in grease or wax oil across three consecutive annual tests from 2024 to 2026, alongside general corrosion on floors and suspension arms. The most recent test also identified corrosion on the nearside rear outer sill, though structural rigidity was not deemed significantly reduced. These are not new failures, but they represent a pattern of surface-level deterioration that has persisted without meaningful remediation for at least two years. The mileage profile tells a clear story of very light use. The vehicle has covered just 1,208 miles between June 2023 and June 2026, averaging roughly 400 miles per year over that period. The annual distance has been consistently low across the entire recorded history, sitting at approximately 3,875 miles per year over the vehicle's full 35-year lifespan. There are no gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer readings, suggesting the car has been used sparingly but regularly rather than sitting unused for extended periods. The 2023 test at 134,404 miles recorded zero defects, which indicates the corrosion issues have developed or worsened during the most recent phase of ownership. A buyer should treat the underbody as the primary inspection focus. The repeated advisory for corroded brake pipes coated in grease or wax oil across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests suggests the pipes have been protected with a coating rather than replaced. This approach may mask the true extent of metal loss, particularly on a 35-year-old vehicle where original steel brake lines are well past their expected service life. The general corrosion noted on floors and suspension arms, combined with the sill corrosion flagged in 2026, points to long-term exposure to moisture without adequate underseal maintenance. A physical inspection on a ramp is essential to assess whether the corrosion is cosmetic or has compromised structural mounting points, subframes, or suspension pickup points. The braking system warrants particular attention beyond the pipe condition. Corroded brake pipes can restrict fluid flow and cause uneven braking effort, while the coating of grease or wax oil on the lines may attract road debris and accelerate external deterioration. Suspension bushes, ball joints, and coil springs should be checked for age-related deterioration, as rubber and steel components degrade with time regardless of mileage. The 2024 failure for non-functioning stop lamps and a rear fog lamp was rectified before the pass on the same day, so lighting appears to be in order, but all electrical connections should be inspected for corrosion given the vehicle's age and the underbody condition.