2004 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · GJ54 BWD

The most recent MOT on 2025-11-19 confirmed the vehicle passed with minor issues, including tyres worn close to legal limits and a minor exhaust leak. However, the prior MOT on 2025-11-07 revealed multiple failures, including severe corrosion in front suspension mounting areas, excessive wear in anti-roll bar ball joints, and similar tyre wear. These issues reappeared in the later pass, suggesting unresolved underlying problems. A recurring pattern of corrosion in suspension components and anti-roll bar wear is evident. The 2025 failures highlighted structural corrosion reducing suspension strength, while earlier MOTs from 2024 and 2023 noted minor play in anti-roll bar joints and corrosion. This indicates a persistent risk of compromised suspension integrity, which could affect handling and safety. The vehicle’s mileage of 91,566 miles over 22 years equates to roughly 4,162 miles annually—a low figure that may reflect infrequent use or long periods of inactivity. While lower mileage typically reduces wear on moving parts, the presence of corrosion and repeated suspension issues suggests environmental factors or lack of use may have accelerated degradation in critical areas. The trend shows no improvement, with similar defects reappearing across MOTs. The 2025 failures included structural corrosion and ball joint wear, which were not fully resolved by the subsequent pass.