2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · GN02 AWH

A recurring pattern of rear brake component wear and tyre degradation defines the mechanical history of this Mazda MX-5, culminating in a pass recorded on 2022-06-07 after an initial failure. The failure points on that date included a dangerous nearside rear tyre with tread depth below the legal limit and an advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the edge, alongside a pitted and scored offside rear brake disc. This same offside rear disc appeared as an advisory in 2019 and 2022, while uneven rear brakes and a binding offside rear service brake were also noted in previous tests, indicating a persistent issue with rear braking efficiency and component longevity rather than isolated incidents. Accumulating just 49,010 miles across its 24-year lifespan equates to a remarkably low annual average of roughly 2,042 miles, though testing records show consistent yearly presentations without prolonged multi-year gaps in service. This light usage profile means the vehicle has spent significant periods idle or driven on short journeys, which can accelerate localized component fatigue such as surface corrosion on brake discs and rubber degradation, even if the overall chassis mileage remains exceptionally low for a roadster of this age. When conducting an inspection and test drive, prospective buyers must closely evaluate the rear braking system, specifically listening for any squealing, scraping, or dragging sounds that would indicate a binding caliper or fully worn discs. Drivers should pay attention to whether the car pulls to one side under braking or if the pedal feels spongy, both of which would point to lingering imbalances in the rear braking circuit. Furthermore, the condition of the inner and outer tyre sidewalls and tread depths on both rear wheels requires thorough physical verification to ensure no uneven wear patterns remain following the historical failures. Beyond the specific advisories logged in the MOT history, a comprehensive inspection of this MX-5 must include a rigorous check of the structural sills, wheel arches, and chassis rails for rust, as corrosion is a known structural vulnerability for this generation of the model. During the test drive, listen for any knocks or clunks from the suspension over uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or drop links that often suffer from age-related degradation regardless of low mileage accumulation.