1992 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · 5 GE

The vehicle currently presents in a roadworthy condition following a clean pass on May 12, 2026 at 159,141 miles. The maintenance trend appears improving after a period of reactive repairs. While previous tests identified specific mechanical failures in the steering and lighting systems, the total absence of any recorded defects or advisories in the most recent inspection suggests that the owner is addressing faults as they are flagged by the DVSA. At 34 years old, the recorded 159,141 miles represent a low annual average of approximately 4,700 miles. The data shows consistent, low-level usage patterns, with only 3,079 miles covered between the April 2025 and 2026 tests. This low mileage suggests the car has been used for leisure rather than daily commuting, though such low mileage on a vehicle of this era often indicates that rubber components and seals may suffer from degradation due to age rather than mechanical wear from high mileage. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the steering and suspension assembly. The June 2023 test at 151,685 miles flagged all four front ball joint dust covers as severely deteriorated, and the April 2025 failure identified missing steering rack gaiters on both sides. While these were rectified to achieve the subsequent passes, a buyer should verify that the steering artwork is fully protected and free of excessive play. The power steering seepage noted in April 2024 also requires monitoring to ensure the leak has not worsened into a significant seal failure or pump damage. Given the age of this MX-5, the buyer should also perform a thorough structural check for corrosion corrosion, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, and floor pans, as the way history does not explicitly detail these. The recurring issues with bulbs and gaiters indicate a maintenance style that responds to Test failures rather than preventative part replacement.