2018 Mazda MX-5 1.5L Petrol · GV18 WBD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent test in July 2025 at 85,444 miles passed after an initial failure due to an inoperative registration plate lamp and corrosion on the central rear subframe mounting area. While the subframe corrosion was deemed acceptable at that time, the presence of surface rust marks the beginning of a degradation process that requires consistent monitoring to prevent future structural failure. The recorded mileage of 85,444 miles over eight years represents an average of approximately 10,680 miles per annum, which aligns with typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent progression, with roughly 14,000 miles covered between July 2023 and July 2024, and another 15,000 miles covered in the year leading the latest test. This steady accumulation suggests the car is driven regularly, which is generally beneficial for mechanical components to prevent seizing caused by long periods of inactivity. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the rear suspension and structural integrity. The July 2024 test at 70,306 miles flagged worn bushes on both the nearside and offside rear suspension arms, indicating that the rubber components are reaching the end of their functional life. Furthermore, the corrosion on the rear subframe mounting noted in 2025 should be inspected with a probe to ensure the rust is merely surface level and not transitioning into deep structural metal loss. The history also reveals a pattern of neglecting basic consumables. In the July 2023 test at 55,969 miles, the nearside rear brake pads were worn to metal and the disc was scored, alongside a tyre worn to the legal limit. This suggests that components were only replaced once a failure occurred. A prospective owner should verify the current thickness of all brake pads and check for uneven wear on the tyres to ensure the previous owner has addressed the underlying alignment issues caused by the worn suspension bushes.