1991 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · J790 CUV

A persistent corrosion theme dominates the roadworthiness record of this 35-year-old Mazda MX-5, with the latest pass on 5 August 2026 continuing a multi-year pattern of advisories rather than representing a clean bill of health. Across the five recorded tests, brake pipe corrosion covered in grease or similar material has appeared in every single entry from 2023 onwards, suspension mounting area corrosion has been flagged in three consecutive tests, and general underbody corrosion has been noted repeatedly. The 2025 test history is particularly relevant: a fail on 30 July 2025 recorded a major defect for excessively corroded offside rear suspension mounting area significantly reducing structural strength, and while the immediate re-test on 4 August 2025 addressed this, the surrounding advisories on brake pipes, suspension components, and tyres remained. The most recent 2026 pass did not arrest the corrosion trend, instead adding further advisories on suspension mounting areas, brake pipes, and an oil leak, indicating that structural integrity concerns are ongoing and likely to require continued attention. Recorded mileage of 156,892 against the vehicle's age equates to an average of roughly 4,483 miles per year, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. The annual rate suggests either prolonged periods off the road or genuinely light use, and the absence of any mileage figures in the test history prevents precise year-on-year analysis, though the consistent pattern of corrosion rather than wear-related component failures leans towards a vehicle that has spent significant time stationary or used only in dry conditions. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this kind in a car approaching its fourth decade typically means rubber components, driveshaft boots, and brake calipers may have suffered from infrequent cycling, while the corrosion pattern observed is more consistent with age and exposure than with high-mileage mechanical wear. The relatively short gaps between consecutive tests in 2025 and 2026 suggest the car is currently in active use following whatever lay-up period preceded it. For a prospective buyer, the brake pipe advisory deserves close physical inspection underneath the vehicle; the grease coating is a common cosmetic masking technique applied by sellers to hide active corrosion, so any buyer should verify that the underlying metal is sound by running a finger along exposed sections and checking for flaking, pitting, or perforation, particularly along the length running to the rear axle and beneath the fuel tank area. The suspension mounting area corrosion flag, which escalated to a major failure on the offside rear in 2025, warrants a thorough examination of the rear chassis rails, inner sills, and suspension turret areas using a torch and ideally a lift, with particular attention to any previous repair welding or underseal that may be concealing deeper rot. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, watch for any change in rear wheel alignment tracking or pulling, and feel for vagueness through the steering rack which could indicate worn bushes rather than simple age-related play. The oil leak advisory noted in 2026, while currently not excessive, should be monitored by checking the underside of the engine and bellhousing area for fresh staining and inspecting the coolant level and condition to rule out any cross-contamination from a more serious sealing issue. The front brake pad advisory flagged in 2025 combined with the rear tyre cracking and front tyre wear advisories indicates that consumable replacement is current and ongoing, so a buyer should budget for fresh tyres, brake pads, and potentially discs given the age of the vehicle. Finally, given that this is an early NA-series MX-5, the test drive should specifically include assessment of the convertible hood for wear and sealing, the rear wheel bearings for any rumble on the overrun, and a careful listen for any top-end engine rattle at cold start consistent with known timing chain characteristics of this generation, even though none of these items have yet appeared in the MOT record.