2008 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · LO08 AAJ

The May 2026 test at 76,195 miles produced a pass after an initial fail for an excessively binding offside front service brake, a fault rectified on the day. The maintenance trend shows a mixed picture: structural corrosion at the rear sub-frame has been recorded since 2018 but consistently assessed as not seriously weakened, while rear anti-roll bar linkage dust covers have been flagged as severely deteriorated at every test from 2023 through 2025. Binding brakes have now appeared on both front corners, the nearside in November 2020 and the offside this year, suggesting a systemic caliper or hose issue rather than an isolated seizure. Mileage accumulation has been low for the vehicle's age, averaging roughly 4,200 miles per year overall, but the rate has dropped sharply since 2020. Between 2013 and 2020 the car covered 5,800 to 6,600 miles annually; from 2020 to 2022 it managed only 3,900 miles in 18 months, and the last three tests show just 1,000 to 1,500 miles per year. This pattern points to extended periods of limited use or storage, which can accelerate brake seizure and allow corrosion to advance unchecked. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection with the under-trays removed, as these have obscured components since at least 2013. Verify the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points for structural soundness beyond the "not seriously weakened" advisories. Check both rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints for play, as the dust covers have been severely deteriorated for three consecutive years. Test all four brake calipers for free movement and inspect discs for the pitting and scoring noted on front and rear axles in 2014 and 2015. Finally, confirm wheel alignment and suspension geometry given the historic inner-edge tyre wear on the front axle. The car presents as a low-mileage example with a documented history of deferred maintenance on suspension consumables and a recurring brake binding tendency. The structural corrosion appears stable but requires physical verification. Provided the binding caliper is fully resolved and the anti-roll bar linkages are renewed, the vehicle should remain serviceable, though the low recent mileage means rubber and hydraulic components may degrade faster than the odometer suggests.