2003 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · AF03 SJX

The 2003 Mazda MX-5 presents a currently roadworthy status following a clean pass on 28 October 2025 at 97,021 miles, with the maintenance trend appearing stable across the recorded history. The most recent test showed no defects, and prior annual examinations returned similarly clean results once the vehicle cleared its failure states. No worsening mechanical pattern emerges from the supplied data. Recorded mileage stands at 97,021 against a 23-year lifespan, equating to roughly 4,218 miles per year and confirming light use for the age. The gap between the 25 October 2023 test at 78,885 miles and the 3 October 2024 test at 82,987 miles added only 4,102 miles. A further 14,034 miles accrued by the October 2025 test. The DVSA log shows sparse entries with no advisories or defects noted on any pass, and two same-day failures on 27 October 2025 and 3 October 2024 at 97,020 and 82,987 miles respectively, both logged with no defects recorded, suggesting administrative or presentational errors rather than mechanical faults. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of structural corrosion on the sills, subframes, and suspension mounting points, as the MX-5 of this era is prone to chassis rust even when low mileage limits drivetrain wear. The tester recorded no brake, suspension bush, or coil spring concerns across the timeline, yet standing periods implied by low annual use can seize calipers or flat-spot tyres. Verify the actual condition of brake discs, flexible hoses, and exhaust emissions during a pre-purchase check. The repeated same-day fail-then-pass entries at identical mileages indicate the prior owner addressed whatever prompted the initial rejection promptly, implying reactive rather than preventative care. Given the clean defect record, the vehicle reads as structurally sound on paper, but physical confirmation of underside integrity remains essential before purchase.