2001 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · DG51 XVF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive care. The most recent MOT test in February 2026 at 110,252 miles showed a pass following a failure just five weeks prior. That failure identified perished front ball joint dust covers and an inoperative rear tail lamp. While the car passed the latest inspection, the recurring presence of a non-excessive oil leak in the last two tests suggests ongoing seal issues that are only addressed when they reach a legal failure threshold. At 110,252 miles, this MX-5 has averaged approximately 4,400 miles per year over its twenty-five-year life, which highlights age-related degradation rather than mechanical wear from distance. There is a significant gap in records between March 2018 and March 2019, where the vehicle covered over 11,000 miles in twelve months. Such periods of inactivity often lead to the corrosion issues noted in later tests, which is consistent with the 2019 findings regarding the subframe and sill ends. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the chassis. The record shows a history of significant corrosion, ranging from excessive rear body mount rot in 2018 to a corroded rear subframe in 2023. Because these are known high-vulnerability areas for this generation of Mazda, the buyer should inspect the sills and mounting points personally to ensure the rust has not progressed into structural failure. The 2019 report of imbalanced brakes and thin pads across all axles further indicates a braking system prone to neglect or sticking calipers due to low use. The suspension also requires close attention. The repeated failure of all four front ball joint dust covers between 2023 and 2026 indicates that rubber components are reaching the end of their service life. Given the low mileage, the buyer should also check for perished rubber bushings and verify the source of the persistent oil leak noted in the 2026 tests. While the car currently appears to pass, the history suggests a vehicle that is only maintained when the MOT tester demands it.