2010 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · LC10 DKA

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 January 2026 resulted in a PASS, although the test was preceded only eight days earlier by a FAIL due to a fractured offside rear coil spring, a defect of immediate structural and safety significance which has now been rectified to allow the subsequent pass. The overall maintenance trend over the recorded MOT history is best described as progressively worsening, with each annual test since 2022 introducing an expanding list of advisories and two outright failures within the last two years. In 2022 the vehicle was presented with no defects recorded, whereas by 2023 it began displaying tyre wear and damage concerns, by 2024 it failed on mismatched rear axle tyres and exhibited binding rear brakes, and by 2026 it required replacement of a fractured rear coil spring alongside multiple advisories for corroded suspension components and rubber perishing. This pattern suggests an ageing chassis now demanding increasing attention to suspension, braking, and underbody integrity rather than a vehicle presenting stable mechanical health. The recorded mileage of 107,404 miles against a 16-year chassis equates to an annual average of approximately 6,713 miles, which is broadly typical for a leisure-oriented MX-5 of this vintage and suggests neither excessive motorway abuse nor prolonged standing inactivity as a primary concern. The annual MOT entries indicate consistent year-on-year presentation, which points to regular use rather than long storage periods, and this is mechanically beneficial in reducing risks associated with seized calipers, dried fluid, and flat-spotted tyres. However, the mileage combined with the vehicle's age places significant cumulative wear upon consumable and structural items, and the DVSA records corroborate this with advisory and failure items concentrated around the suspension, braking, and tyre condition. For a prospective buyer, the rear coil spring fractured failure and the recurring advisories for corroded rear coil springs both sides are a clear priority area requiring detailed physical inspection. The spring fracture indicates metal fatigue, likely accelerated by the corrosion noted in earlier advisories, and the perishing rear upper coil spring rubber mountings should be examined for play or knocking over uneven road surfaces. A careful test drive should be undertaken listening for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over bumps, and the rear should be inspected on a ramp for surface rust versus penetrating corrosion, particularly around the prescribed area mounting points which were noted as corroded in 2026. The recurring advisories for front shock absorber dust covers splitting and perishing since at least 2024 suggest the shock absorbers themselves may be approaching the end of their service life, and buyers should check for hydraulic fluid misting on the outer shock bodies as well as any excessive bounce or vibration damping decline over a road test. The tyre-related advisories and failures across 2023 and 2024 warrant particular attention, including mismatched rear axle sizes and cuts or perishing on multiple tyres. Although the 2026 pass does not carry tyre advisories, a 16-year-old MX-5 will suffer sidewall perishing and cracking from age regardless of tread depth, and all four tyres should be inspected closely for hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber before purchase. The advisory for rear brake binding both sides in 2024 indicates caliper slide pin seizure or piston corrosion, and a test drive should confirm the rear brakes release cleanly without any dragging sensation, uneven hot hubs after driving, or pulling to one side. Beyond the MOT findings, age-appropriate checks should include the condition and charge state of the 12V battery, the brake fluid and coolant service history given calendar-based fluid degradation over 16 years, the underside structural integrity particularly around sills and rear lower panels, and verification of a comprehensive service book record confirming regular engine oil and filter changes to safeguard against the higher mileage wear on the drivetrain.