2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · DX02 NXW

The most recent MOT on 2024-08-09 recorded a pass with minor corrosion issues on suspension arms, seat belt anchorages, and underbody areas. These were categorized as non-serious, such as "suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened" and "seat belt anchorage prescribed area corroded but not excessive." However, the prior MOT on 2024-08-05 resulted in a fail due to critical issues: exhaust lambda readings out of spec, damaged ABS wiring, and front tyres worn close to legal limits. This suggests the vehicle may have unresolved electrical or suspension concerns, or that repairs post-failure were incomplete. Recurring mechanical patterns include corrosion on seat belt anchorages, suspension arms, and underbody components across multiple MOTs. For example, "suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened" was noted in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Tyre wear near legal limits was also repeated in 2022, 2023, and 2024, indicating potential neglect or inconsistent maintenance. Steering-related issues, such as "play in steering rack inner joint" and "track rod end ball joint excessive play," appeared in 2022 and 2023 but were not mentioned in the 2024 pass, suggesting possible repairs. The trend shows persistent corrosion and repeated tyre wear , which may indicate long-term exposure to moisture or infrequent use. However, the vehicle’s low mileage ( ~4,447 miles per year) complicates interpretation. While lower mileage often correlates with less mechanical wear, it can also mean prolonged periods of inactivity, accelerating rust and component degradation.