1991 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · H401 CDM

The vehicle currently holds a clean MOT status, with the most recent test conducted on 3 August 2023 at 143,781 miles resulting in a pass with no recorded defects. This represents a stable maintenance trend, particularly when compared to the 2021 test where the vehicle initially failed due to headlamp alignment and minor component loss. The absence of advisories in the two most recent inspections suggests that previous mechanical concerns were addressed effectively, indicating a period of consistent upkeep. With a total of 143,781 miles over thirty-five years, the vehicle averages approximately 4,108 miles per annum, which is low for a car of this vintage. The mileage accumulation has remained remarkably consistent and minimal in recent years, with only 1,603 miles added between the August 2020 and August 2023 tests. This slow rate of use suggests the vehicle has likely spent significant time in storage or served as a weekend hobby car, which often necessitates careful scrutiny of rubber components and seals that may have perished due to inactivity rather than heavy road use. Prospective buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the engine bay, specifically targeting the front oil leak that appeared as a recurring advisory between 2020 and 2021. While the most recent tests show no signs of leakage, the age of the engine gaskets means this remains a potential point of failure. Given the MX-5 platform, a detailed check for structural corrosion on the sills, wheel arches, and chassis rails is essential, as these areas are prone to degradation regardless of low mileage. Ensure the alternator mounting hardware remains secure, as this was a specific failure point in the 2021 record, and verify that all electrical systems operate correctly to confirm that the previous headlamp alignment issues were fully resolved.