2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · FL02 ACZ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but exhibits a clear and worsening trend regarding structural integrity. While it passed the most recent test on June 2026 at 102,362 miles, the history reveals a significant progression from minor corrosion to critical failure. The failure in June 2025 highlighted severe structural corrosion and holes in the offside front sill and nearside and rear inner structures. Although the latest test reports these areas as not affecting security, the presence of active corrosion near mountings indicates that the chassis is in a state of decay. At 24 years old, the mileage of 102,362 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 4,265 miles per year. This low usage pattern often correlates with the structural issues seen here, as stationary vehicles can trap moisture. The data shows a consistent increase of roughly 3,000 to 5,000 miles annually between 2023 and 2026, suggesting the car is used regularly but sparingly. The low mileage has not prevented the age-related deterioration of bodywork or the degradation of rubber and metal components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underside, specifically focusing on the sills and mounting points where the tester has repeatedly flagged corrosion. The transition from minor rust in 2024 to structural holes in 2025 suggests that the metal is thinning rapidly. Attention is also required for the suspension system, as multiple ball joint dust covers and coil springs have shown signs of severe deterioration and corrosion. The recently reported noisy exhaust and front oil leak in the most recent test also indicate ongoing mechanical wear that requires constant monitoring to prevent further failures.