2016 Mazda MX-5 1.5L Petrol · AX16 MFO

The most recent DVSA examination, conducted on 17 October 2025, resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the most reassuring indicator in the history. The previous test in October 2024 was likewise a clean pass, suggesting that any rectification work following the 2023 failures has been carried out to a satisfactory standard. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle had a repeat nearside front brake disc and pad failure in October 2023, which was followed by a clean pass the following day, and a dangerous tyre tread failure in October 2022 that was also resolved the same day. This indicates a generally well-maintained pattern where identified defects have been promptly addressed rather than neglected, and the absence of any recurring or unresolved advisories over the last two tests points to a stable and improving maintenance trajectory. With approximately 38,302 miles recorded over a ten-year lifespan, the vehicle is averaging around 3,830 miles annually, which is notably low for a passenger car and particularly modest for an MX-5, a model typically enjoyed for spirited weekend driving. This level of usage suggests the vehicle may have spent considerable periods laid up or used primarily for short journeys. Low annual mileage of this nature is not without its own mechanical considerations, as prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion on brake discs, calipers, and underbody hardware, while predominantly short-trip usage can lead to moisture accumulation in engine oil and reduced battery longevity. There is no evidence in the MOT history of any sudden mileage spikes, which is consistent with a steady, low-use profile. Given the low-mileage, ten-year-old profile of this vehicle, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to age-related deterioration rather than focusing solely on wear from high use. Tyres fitted to a car of this age and mileage are likely to have been replaced infrequently and may now exhibit sidewall perishing or cracking from natural rubber degradation, even if the tread depth remains legal; this was previously flagged in 2021 and warrants thorough visual inspection of all four sidewalls for hairline cracks or brittleness. The braking system should be carefully checked during a test drive for any signs of binding calipers or judder through the pedal, as standing corrosion on the discs can cause uneven pad transfer and vibration under braking; a low-speed test followed by a more decisive stop from around 30 mph is the most revealing way to assess this. The 12V battery is also a likely candidate for replacement on a car of this age and usage pattern, and any hesitation on start-up or flickering dashboard electronics should be taken as a warning sign. Beyond these age-related checks, fluid servicing history becomes especially important on a low-mileage vehicle, as calendar-based degradation of brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil can compromise protection even when the distance travelled has been modest. Brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should ideally be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage, so verifying whether this has been documented in the service book is worthwhile. The MX-5 is also known for vulnerable rear brake calipers and handbrake mechanisms that can seize from infrequent use, so confirming that the handbrake holds effectively on an incline is a sensible precaution. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any surface corrosion on suspension arms, exhaust components, and structural mounting points is strongly advised, as the combination of low mileage and a decade of road exposure can produce localised corrosion that would not be apparent from the MOT record alone.