2005 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · AB53 OWL

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a pass on December 4, 2025. The maintenance trend shows a recurring pattern of immediate failures followed by passes on the very next day. In both 2024 and 2025, the car failed its initial test on one day and successfully passed just twenty-four hours later. This suggests that specific mechanical or safety defects are being identified and rectified only in direct response to the MOT testing process rather than being addressed as part of a preventative maintenance schedule. At 109,625 miles, this 21-year-old Mazda has averaged approximately 5,220 miles per year. This low annual mileage is indicative of infrequent use or extended periods of inactivity, which can lead to the degradation of rubber-based components and fluid breakdown despite the low mechanical wear. The record shows a consistent annual testing interval between December 2023 and December 2025, indicating the vehicle is tested regularly despite the short-notice failures in the most recent two cycles. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and structural integrity, as vehicles of this age and mileage are prone to corrosion that may not always result in an immediate MOT failure if the rust is superficial. Attention should be paid to suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake lines which often suffer when a vehicle sits stationary. Given the recent failures, it is necessary to verify that the repairs made between the 2024 and 2025 tests were permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes. Buying score: 68 Risk level: Low.