2012 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · DG62 POJ

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-15 confirms it remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded at 17,569 miles. The consistent pass status across all tests—including the 2024 retest just three days after an initial failure—suggests no recurring mechanical issues were severe enough to trigger advisories. However, the 2024 failure itself, despite no recorded defects, raises curiosity: the identical mileage (17,101) for both tests implies either a minor oversight in the first inspection or a test centre procedural anomaly. The overall trend is stable, with no evidence of worsening conditions in suspension, brakes, or structural integrity over the past four years. The recorded mileage of 17,569 miles over nearly 14 years—roughly 1,255 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, indicating either infrequent use or prolonged periods of storage. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (1,471 miles in just over a year) contrasts sharply with the slower accumulation in subsequent years, suggesting the vehicle may have been stationary or lightly used during that period. Such low mileage can mask wear, but it also implies potential neglect of fluid changes (brakes, power steering, coolant) and suspension components, which degrade even when stationary due to moisture and corrosion. Given the lack of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on suspension integrity and corrosion. The rear suspension—particularly the coil springs and bushes—should be examined for fatigue or perished rubber, as these components often fail without pre-failure warnings. Front wheel bearings and steering rack seals warrant close scrutiny, given the low mileage may have allowed lubrication to degrade over time. Brake discs and pads, while not flagged in tests, should be checked for uneven wear or glazing, as binding calipers or soft pads could have gone unnoticed in previous inspections. Finally, the underbody and wheel arches should be inspected for corrosion, especially around the subframe and rear sills, where rust can compromise structural integrity without visible surface signs.