2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · DA02 AFU

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness profile based on the available five-year MOT history. The most recent inspection conducted in August 2022 at 72,878 miles resulted in a clean pass, indicating that the car met all regulatory standards at that time. Following a single failure in March 2021 which was rectified within a month, the vehicle has maintained a record of clean passes, suggesting a consistent level of maintenance without recurring mechanical degradation or structural failure. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a vehicle of 24 years old, averaging approximately 3,000 miles per annum. Between August 2018 and August 2022, the car covered only 10,056 miles, which confirms it has been used sparingly or kept in storage for extended periods. While low mileage typically reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine components, the long intervals between use can lead to the degradation of rubber-based parts and fluid chemistry. The gap between the 2022 test and the current date represents nearly four years without recorded inspection data. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the structural integrity of the chassis, as MX-5 models of this era are prone to corrosion when left stationary. Examine the inner sills, rear subframe, and wheel arches for surface or structural rust that may have developed between tests. Given the low usage, verify that the suspension bushes and rubber mounts have not perished or cracked due to age rather than mechanical wear. Additionally, check the brake discs for pitting or seized calipers, as low-use vehicles often suffer from oxidation on the braking system.