1996 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · CUB 8Y

This 1996 Mazda MX-5 shows a very low annual mileage of roughly 2,736 miles per year. While this suggests the vehicle has been used sparingly, the MOT history indicates that long periods of inactivity may have contributed to the mechanical issues recorded, particularly regarding the braking system. The vehicle’s condition appears stable following a clean pass in 2019 and a pass with minor advisories in 2024. However, the history reveals a recurring pattern of brake-related failures, specifically binding calipers and poor parking brake efficiency. These are classic symptoms of a car that has spent significant time sitting idle, leading to seized components and corrosion within the braking system. The most recent 2024 MOT noted light misting on both the offside front and nearside rear shock absorbers. While these are currently advisories, they indicate that the suspension components are beginning to show their age. Given the car's 30-year lifespan, you should expect that rubber bushings and seals may be brittle or perished, regardless of the low mileage. The mileage is ambiguous; it could represent a well-preserved weekend toy, but it could just as easily mask the effects of long-term storage, such as seized mechanical parts or degraded fluids. The lack of MOT data between 2019 and 2024 is a significant gap that warrants further investigation into how the car was maintained or stored during that five-year period.