2007 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · FP07 EXO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a recent shift toward neglected mechanical components. While the car passed its February 2026 test at 71,456 miles, the tester identified multiple developing faults that were absent in previous years. The presence of severe deterioration on both rear lower suspension rod ball joint dust covers, combined with front brake pads reaching their wear limit, indicates that despite a period of clean records, the vehicle is now entering a phase where proactive maintenance is required. The recorded mileage of 71,456 miles over 19 years of use is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 3,700 miles per annum. There is a significant usage gap between March 2024 and February 2025, where the car covered only 1,605 miles in nearly eleven months. This low-frequency use often leads to the degradation of rubber components and surface corrosion, which explains the pitted and scored brake discs noted in 2022 and 2023, followed by the failure of the dust covers in the 2026 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension geometry, as the MX-5 of this era is prone to structural corrosion that MOT tests cannot always fully quantify. The deterioration of the ball joint covers suggests that the joints themselves may be ingress of moisture and grit, leading to premature mechanical failure. Furthermore, the braking system requires immediate attention, as the front pads are at the limit and the history of disc surface wear suggests the rotors may be thin or uneven due to long periods of standing.