2010 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · FG10 AAO

A defining characteristic of this Mazda MX-5's MOT record is the cluster of front suspension advisories recorded at the January 2022 test, which form the only blemish across five consecutive passes from 2022 through 2026. Both front upper and both front lower suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn, alongside a rear anti-roll bar bush showing similar wear, though none were deemed to have resulted in excessive movement at that time. The subsequent tests in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 returned clean passes with no defects or advisories recorded, meaning the suspension wear has either not progressed to a test-failure threshold or the components have been replaced. For a 2010 MX-5 now into its mid-teens, suspension linkage wear of this nature is a common pattern, particularly for cars that have spent time outdoors or covered many miles over uneven roads, and the four subsequent clean tests suggest the bushes may have been attended to, though the absence of post-2022 advisories could equally reflect parts still within tolerance. With 50,702 miles recorded across approximately sixteen years, the annual accumulation averages around 3,169 miles, which is notably low for a car of this age. This rate of use suggests the vehicle has either been a secondary or weekend car, or has experienced periods of relative inactivity between annual tests. Mechanically, low-mileage MX-5s can present their own considerations, particularly around original rubber components, dampers and seals hardening through age rather than wear, but the continuous annual testing record from 2022 onwards indicates the car has been regularly presented for inspection and used on the road consistently. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest a multi-year lay-up, which reduces the likelihood of seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines or severely degraded tyres from prolonged standing. Given the 2022 advisories concerning all four front suspension arm pins and bushes plus the rear anti-roll bar bush, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension behaviour on a test drive. Listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front end when traversing speed humps, potholes or uneven tarmac, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel, particularly over broken surfaces. With the car unladen, attempt to rock each front wheel vertically and laterally at the hub to detect any slack in the upper or lower wishbone bushes, as wear that has progressed since 2022 may now be producing noticeable movement. The rear anti-roll bar bush advisory warrants checking for a more muted thudding from the rear axle over bumps, and a slightly less planted feel during directional changes. Beyond the previously flagged suspension items, a thorough inspection should also account for the broader age-related condition of a sixteen-year-old MX-5. Examine the underside, particularly the rear wheel arches, sills and subframe mounting areas, for any surface corrosion, as the MOT record does not flag any such issues but does not preclude their development. Check the handbrake travel and effectiveness on a hill, given that rear brake mechanisms on low-mileage cars can seize from infrequent use. Inspect the tyres for even wear and adequate tread, as the limited annual mileage means the original tyres may be age-hardened even if tread depth remains legal. Finally, verify the operation of the retractable roof mechanism if it is a folding or hard-top variant, and confirm that there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard during a cold start, as any electronic or emissions irregularities would not yet be reflected in the most recent test outcome.