2006 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · BS06 ART

The vehicle is currently roadworthy having passed its latest inspection in March 2026 at 116,721 miles. However, the maintenance trend shows signs of instability following a failure during that same test due to an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp and non-conforming registration plates. While these specific issues were rectified to secure a pass, the history indicates a reactive approach to repairs where faults are addressed only upon testing failure rather than through proactive replacement of aging components. At 116,721 miles over 20 years, this MX-5 has averaged approximately 5,800 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average. The mileage accumulation appears consistent in recent years, with roughly 1,000 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests and another 6,800 miles leading into early 2026. This low annual usage often suggests periods of vehicle standing, which can correlate with the progression of corrosion-related issues seen in the vehicle's record. A buyer must focus heavily on the structural integrity of the rear chassis, as general corrosion on both rear inner wheel arches was noted in both 2024 and 2025. The 2025 test specifically flagged corroded coil springs on both the nearside and offside rear, indicating that the suspension components are succumbing to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the recurring presence of play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint between 2023 and 2024 suggests that the suspension hardware is reaching the end of its functional life. A physical inspection of the underbody sills and mounting points is essential to ensure the reported surface rust has not progressed into structural failure.