1991 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · H326 AAB

The 2026‑01‑31 MOT passed the vehicle at 260,571 miles, confirming current roadworthiness despite recorded defects such as an oil leak, a near‑side rear registration plate lamp failure and front brake pads wearing thin. The recurring oil leak and minor lighting faults have persisted across the last three tests, indicating a stable but not improving maintenance record; no major mechanical failures have emerged since the 2024‑02‑08 test. The mileage has risen from 167,630 miles in July 2009 to 260,571 miles in January 2026, averaging about 11,844 miles per year, which aligns with the typical usage for a 22‑year‑old MX‑5. However, the record shows a six‑year gap between the 2015 and 2021 tests, during which only 2,560 miles were added, followed by a sharp increase of roughly 12,500 miles in the 2021‑2022 period, suggesting the car has been driven more intensively in recent years. A buyer should focus on the recurring oil leak source, the condition of the front brake pads and discs, and the anti‑roll bar bush wear noted in the 2025 test. The chassis, rear subframe and suspension components were flagged as corroded in the 2021 test, and coil springs showed corrosion in 2015, so a close examination of suspension bushes, coil springs, brake pipes and structural rust is essential. Verify that the rear registration plate lamp, rear fog lamp, rear stop lamp, front horn and central mirror are fully functional, and inspect the exhaust system for the excessive carbon monoxide readings recorded in the 2023‑2024 failures. Overall, the vehicle is presently roadworthy but the persistent oil leak, brake wear, lighting and emission faults point to intermittent maintenance; a prospective buyer must conduct a detailed physical inspection of the suspension, braking, exhaust and structural components before committing to purchase.