2016 Mazda MX-5 1.5L Petrol · EO66 VBJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 7 April 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, and the four prior tests from 2022 through 2024 also returned clean pass results. The single failure dated 11 April 2024 sits alongside a same-day pass, which strongly indicates an isolated or minor issue that was rectified immediately and retested on the same visit rather than a recurring mechanical concern. Taken as a whole, the MOT history suggests a stable and well-maintained trend with no deterioration across the recent testing cycle, which is a reassuring position for any prospective purchaser evaluating the car against comparable ten-year-old examples. With 25,338 miles recorded against a 2016 registration, the MX-5 has covered approximately 2,534 miles annually, a figure that is substantially below the average for a light passenger vehicle of this age. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-consumption components such as the clutch, brake friction material and drivetrain internals, it introduces its own set of age-related concerns arising from prolonged standing. Vehicles that spend extended periods unused are particularly susceptible to moisture ingress, oxidation of braking surfaces, and degradation of rubber and fluid components that deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage accumulation. Given the low-mileage profile and clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on components most affected by inactivity and time. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking and weather-checking, as rubber compounds harden and degrade regardless of tread depth when a vehicle stands for long periods, and a 2016 set of original tyres would almost certainly be due for replacement on age grounds alone. The brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion, particularly at the outer edges and on the inner faces, and the calipers must be checked for seizing or binding pistons, which commonly develop on lightly used cars and can manifest as a dragging sensation, uneven braking, or pulling to one side during a test drive. The handbrake mechanism should also be exercised to confirm full travel and effective holding on an incline. Beyond braking and tyres, the 12-volt battery warrants a load test rather than a simple voltage check, as prolonged standing with occasional short trips is the primary cause of premature battery failure and can mask itself as intermittent starting issues. All fluid systems, including engine coolant, brake fluid, gearbox oil and differential oil, should be treated as due for replacement on a calendar basis rather than mileage, with brake fluid in particular being hygroscopic and prone to internal corrosion of the ABS modulator if it has not been refreshed within the last two to three years. Underneath the vehicle, a thorough check for standing corrosion on suspension arms, exhaust mounting points and underbody seams is essential, as low-mileage cars stored outdoors can develop localised oxidation without it being evident from general MOT observations. Finally, the folding roof mechanism, drain tubes and hood fabric should be inspected for leaks and wear, as these are common age-related concerns on the ND generation MX-5 that fall outside the scope of standard MOT testing.