2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · CA65 WRC

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 holds a valid MOT issued on 3 December 2025 at 53,202 miles, yet the maintenance trend is not uniformly reassuring. The most recent pass was granted despite a recurring front brake binding advisory, indicating a problem that has persisted across at least two consecutive tests. In December 2024, the tester flagged the nearside front service brake as excessively binding, and by the December 2025 retest the same axle was still recorded as binding, albeit no longer excessively. That partial improvement suggests some attention was paid to the caliper or slider mechanism, but the fault has not been fully eliminated. The 2024 test also saw a failed first attempt due to an offside front tyre cut, which was rectified before the same-day pass, so basic consumable upkeep appears reactive rather than proactively managed. Mileage accumulation tells a story of very light use. The car covered roughly 7,768 miles between December 2022 and December 2024, then only 4,069 miles in the following twelve months, ending at 53,202 miles. That slowing rate of accumulation, combined with the low annual average of approximately 5,320 miles, points to short journeys or periods of inactivity. Light use can preserve bodywork and reduce drivetrain wear, but it also raises the risk of moisture-related corrosion in brake components, exhaust systems, and suspension bushes, particularly if the car has been sitting for extended periods. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front braking system. Repeated binding on the nearside caliper, even if downgraded from excessive, hints at sticking pistons, corroded sliders, or a compromised flexible hose acting as a one-way valve. Check for uneven disc wear, localized heat discolouration, and pad thickness differential between left and right. The offside front tyre cut noted in December 2024, though minor, warrants a close look at both front sidewalls for age-related cracking, given the car’s tendency to cover low distances and potentially sit on flat-spotted rubber. Beyond the brakes, pay attention to suspension bushes and coil springs for perishing that can occur with age rather than mileage. Inspect the underside for corrosion on subframes, sills, and jacking points, as infrequent use can trap moisture. A test drive should confirm the tracking remains true and the steering does not pull under braking, which would further support the possibility of a persistent caliper issue.