2005 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · CA54 XSR

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a clear trend of worsening structural degradation. While it passed its most recent test in July 2024 at 105,174 miles, the record reveals persistent issues with advanced corrosion and mechanical neglect. The progression from surface corrosion on suspension mounting points in 2022 to heavy corrosion on the rear inner sills and wheel arches by 2024 indicates that the vehicle is reaching a critical stage where structural integrity may soon fail. At 21 years old, the 2005 MX-5 shows a low average mileage of approximately 5,000 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant gap in usage between August 2022 and July 2023, where the car covered only 39 miles in an entire year. This pattern of sitting often correlates with the mechanical failures noted in the history, such as binding brake calipers and pitted discs. The recent accumulation of nearly 9,000 miles over the last year suggests a return to more regular use, but this does not mitigate the underlying metal decay. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the sills and wheel arches, as the tester has already flagged heavy corrosion in these areas. The recurring reports of binding brakes on both front and rear axles across multiple years suggest seized caliper pistons or neglected sliders that require immediate attention. Furthermore, the distorted offside front road wheel noted in both 2022 and 2023 should be checked for impact damage or uneven wear. The heavy corrosion on the exhaust flange also indicates that further system failures are likely in the near future.