2018 Mazda MX-5 1.5L Petrol · BW18 MZV

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding brake component degradation. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 30,423 miles passed, it flagged both front and rear brake pads as thin alongside pitted and scored discs. This represents a significant decline from the April 2025 test which recorded no defects, suggesting that the braking system has now reached a stage requiring immediate component replacement. The mileage profile is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,800 miles per year. There is a distinct gap in usage between September 2022 and May 2024, where the car covered only 164 miles in nearly two years. However, the vehicle then covered over 18,000 miles between May 2024 and May 2026. This sudden surge in use, combined with previous periods of inactivity, likely contributed to the surface corrosion and pitting on the brake discs seen in the MOT records. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking assembly, as the recurring pitting and scoring on discs across all axles in 2022, 2024, and 2026 indicate a vulnerability to moisture-related corrosion. Given the low mileage and periods of standing, the inspector should also check for perished rubber components, such as suspension bushings, which often degrade when a car sits for long durations. The structural integrity of the chassis should be verified, as low-mileage cars stored in damp environments can develop hidden rust in the sills and wheel arches.