2006 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · AF06 WCL

The most recent MOT on 24 August 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding six years the pattern has moved from a major failure in September 2020 (ABS and ESC faults) to a series of advisory items that persist but have not caused a subsequent failure. The presence of recurring advisories – tyre perishing, under‑body corrosion and anti‑roll‑bar linkage wear – shows a maintenance trend that is stable but not improving; the major electronic faults appear to have been remedied, yet the vehicle continues to accumulate age‑related wear that should be monitored closely. At 95,360 mi the MX‑5 averages roughly 4,800 mi per year, well below the typical usage for a 20‑year‑old sports car. Such low annual mileage often reflects periods of infrequent use or prolonged storage, which can exacerbate tyre ageing, battery depletion and corrosion of components that sit idle. The mileage itself does not suggest excessive wear on high‑load items such as the engine or gearbox, but the light‑use profile means that consumables may be near the end of their service life despite the relatively modest distance covered. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the anti‑roll‑bar linkages and front suspension arm bushes that have been flagged for slight play. With the vehicle on a level surface, push the front corners laterally and listen for clunking or feel for excessive movement; a pronounced knock under cornering or when hitting a bump can indicate that the bushings or ball joints are approaching failure and will need replacement. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread delamination or dry‑rot – the advisories over several years suggest the rubber has perished despite low mileage, so any visible cracks or a tread depth below 3 mm warrant immediate replacement. The brake discs, although not failing, have been noted as heavily corroded on the face; inspect the disc surfaces for deep pitting, rust that does not wash off with pressure, or uneven wear, and test the brakes on a short drive for any shudder, pulsation or increased pedal travel that could indicate that the discs need resurfacing or replacement. Finally, verify that the ABS and electronic stability control lights remain extinguished during a dynamic test drive, and check that the steering feels stable with no intermittent warning flashes. Look under the chassis for signs of general corrosion on the exhaust, brake and fuel lines, especially around mounting points where rust can lead to leaks. Confirm the battery’s state of charge and cranking performance, as long periods of inactivity can cause sulphation; a load test at a reputable garage is advisable. Fluid levels should be checked and, given the age, the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid should be replaced if service stamps are absent or dated beyond the recommended intervals. A thorough visual inspection of the suspension springs, coil mounts and chassis for any cracks or rust, together with a review of the service book for regular oil changes and timing belt (or chain) maintenance, will give a clearer picture of the car’s long‑term reliability before purchase.