2005 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · LC55 YLM

This 2005 Mazda MX-5 presents a significant cause for concern regarding structural integrity. While the current mileage of 70,427 is low for a 21-year-old vehicle, the MOT history reveals a pattern of neglect and worsening corrosion that outweighs the benefits of low usage. The most critical red flag is the 2022 MOT failure, which identified severe corrosion on both inner rear sills, compromising the structural rigidity of the vehicle. Although the car passed its most recent test in 2023, the examiner still noted slight underbody corrosion and a deteriorating exhaust. The progression from "starting to corrode" in 2021 to a structural failure in 2022 suggests that the underlying metalwork is likely in a state of advanced decay, regardless of the low annual mileage. The low mileage relative to the car's age likely indicates long periods of storage or limited use. While this can sometimes preserve mechanical components, in this instance, it appears to have contributed to the binding brakes and perishing tyres noted in 2021 and 2022. Vehicles that sit idle for extended periods are highly susceptible to seized brake calipers and rubber degradation, both of which are clearly evidenced in this history. The overall trend is worrying. The vehicle has transitioned from a clean record in 2020 to structural failure in 2022, and while it currently holds a pass, the persistent mention of corrosion indicates that the structural issues may have been patched rather than permanently resolved.