2006 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · AX55 DTO

The Mazda MX-5’s most recent MOT test on 2025-06-26 passed without defects, though it follows an identical retest just one day earlier, which also failed—though no specific faults were recorded. This pattern of consecutive failures and passes suggests either a minor administrative oversight or a vehicle that narrowly avoided minor failings in critical areas. The last full pass in May 2024 was clean, but the retest in June 2024 failed without explanation, indicating a potential oversight in pre-test checks or a component nearing failure that was not caught. Overall, the trend is stable in terms of no recurring mechanical issues, but the lack of recorded defects does not guarantee hidden wear—especially in high-stress areas like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers. The recorded mileage of 89,790 miles over 20 years equates to roughly 4,500 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and type. The gap between tests—particularly the 12-month span between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs—implies prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate degradation in fluids, rubber components, and battery health. The sudden drop from 82,132 to 82,138 miles between tests in 2024 suggests either a short-term burst of use or a mislogged mileage entry. While low mileage typically reduces wear, it also raises questions about whether the vehicle was stored properly, as prolonged standing can lead to flat spots on tyres, seized suspension joints, or corrosion in underbody components. Given the absence of recorded defects, the most critical areas for an in-person inspection would be the suspension geometry, particularly the rear subframe and bushings, which often fail silently in this model. The brakes, though not flagged, should be scrutinised for uneven wear or binding calipers, as the retests hint at potential oversight. Underbody corrosion—especially around the sills, wheel arches, and exhaust system—is a common concern for a 20-year-old roadster, and any rust penetration could compromise structural integrity. The battery and fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering) should also be checked, as prolonged inactivity can lead to degradation. A thorough check of tyre tread depth and condition is essential, given the lack of recorded faults in past tests.