2013 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · 7106 HN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding surface corrosion and component wear. The most recent test in September 2025 at 31,401 miles identified three distinct issues including a worn offside front suspension arm bush, pitted rear brake discs, and structural corrosion on the offside rear chassis. This represents a shift from the clean records seen in previous years, indicating that age-related degradation is beginning to manifest despite the low annual mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 13-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,415 miles per year. The data shows consistent annual usage patterns, with only 1,472 miles covered between September 2024 and September 2025. While this low mileage suggests less strain on the drivetrain and engine, it often correlates with the accelerated aging of rubber components and the oxidation of metal surfaces, as the vehicle likely sits for long periods which prevents the natural clearing of moving parts through high-frequency use. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the offside rear chassis mounting point where the tester flagged corrosion in 2025. Although this was noted as not seriously affecting overall security at the time, rust on the MX-5 tends to progress rapidly if not treated. The braking system also requires close attention; specifically, the recurring reports of pitted and scored discs in both 2024 and 2025 suggest the brakes are being affected by moisture and lack of use rather than mechanical wear. Furthermore, the offside front upper suspension arm bush should be checked for play or audible creaking as this was flagged in the latest MOT. The previous failure in 2022 regarding the anti-roll bar bar linkage and thin brake pads confirms that basic consumable maintenance is only addressed when they reach a failure threshold. Ensure all rubber bushes remain supple and that the structural corrosion has not progressed beyond surface-level before purchase.