2003 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · LO03 DHG

The 2022‑11‑29 MOT at 83,033 miles passed, confirming roadworthiness despite documented corrosion of the off‑side front integral body structure, near‑side front integral body structure and rear sub‑frame, none of which reduced structural rigidity. The vehicle has passed every test since the 2016‑10‑24 inspection, indicating a stable maintenance record, though earlier failures in 2015‑2016 reveal recurring suspension and brake defects that have not been fully resolved. At 83,033 miles the car averages about 3,600 miles per year over its 23‑year life, a figure that suggests long periods of inactivity rather than intensive use. The interval from the 2016‑10‑24 test (79,512 miles) to the 2019‑09‑12 test (81,881 miles) covers 2,369 miles in roughly three years, and the 2020‑12‑08 to 2021‑11‑30 interval adds only 213 miles in 11 months, indicating extended standing periods. Recurring issues centre on structural rust, with corrosion of the sub‑frame and integral body panels noted in every test since 2015, and on suspension components, as two coil springs were recorded broken in the 2019‑08‑16 failure and again mentioned as fractured in 2022. Binding rear brakes, a missing ABS wheel‑speed sensor, and repeated service‑brake adjustments flagged across multiple tests, while brake discs show pitting and fluctuation in earlier records. A buyer should therefore examine the condition of the rear and front coil springs, suspension bushes, and trailing arms for cracks or corrosion, inspect the rear sub‑frame and integral body panels for rust that may compromise rigidity, verify the integrity of brake discs, pads, hoses and calipers, confirm the presence and function of the ABS sensor, and check the exhaust system and structural mounts for excessive corrosion.