2010 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · LO10 FFC

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 24 July 2026 resulted in a pass, though the examiner recorded a pair of minor defects relating to slight deterioration of both headlamp lenses, along with two advisories concerning the front tyres and a note that the internal headlight adjuster has been altered and requires rechecking. Looking back through the recent history, the vehicle has passed every annual test without any major structural or safety failures, and the pattern of recorded defects is broadly stable rather than indicative of accelerating neglect. The front wiper blade defect in 2024 and the rear tyre advisory in the same year were isolated items that did not reappear, while the 2026 advisories suggest that attention to front tyres and lighting is now required. Overall, the maintenance trend appears consistent with a vehicle that has been regularly serviced and presented for test each summer, with no advisories escalating into failures in the recorded period. The recorded mileage of 73,720 miles across 16 years equates to an annual average of roughly 4,600 miles, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a car of this age and substantially lower than the mileage many Mazda MX-5 examples accumulate. This low average suggests either light regular use or extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. While low annual mileage reduces wear on internal combustion components such as the engine, clutch, gearbox, and brake friction material, prolonged standing can lead to corrosion of brake discs, seizure of caliper slide pins, perishing of rubber components including tyres and hoses, and degradation of fluids through moisture absorption. Equally, if the low mileage is the result of occasional longer journeys rather than continuous use, general wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and wheel bearings may be more pronounced than the odometer reading alone would suggest, so a thorough physical inspection is essential regardless of the favourable MOT history. Given the recorded advisories from the 2026 test, the front tyres warrant immediate attention before purchase, as the inner-edge wear pattern highlighted by the examiner on both 205/45 R17 tyres is a recognised indicator of either incorrect wheel geometry, worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes or top mounts, or simply worn-out tyres that have reached the end of their service life. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, and pay attention to any vagueness in the steering or uneven tracking, as these would confirm that the inner-edge wear is symptomatic of a suspension or geometry issue rather than just tyre age. The headlamp lens deterioration recorded as minor items is common on vehicles of this age due to UV exposure causing the polycarbonate to haze and craze, which reduces light output and can ultimately result in a test failure if severe enough, so inspect both lenses carefully in good light and consider restoration or replacement if output appears diminished. The note about the altered internal headlight adjuster should also be followed up to confirm beam alignment meets legal requirements, as misaligned headlights can dazzle oncoming traffic and fail a subsequent test. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and likely standing periods associated with this low-mileage example demand several practical checks that fall outside the scope of the MOT itself. Inspect all four tyres, including the spare if fitted, for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, as rubber deteriorates regardless of tread depth and a tyre over six years old should be evaluated for replacement regardless of its appearance. Examine the brake discs on both axles for any surface rust, scoring, or lipping, and verify that the calipers release cleanly by ensuring the wheels rotate freely without binding when the vehicle is lifted or after a short drive. Check the condition and age of the 12-volt battery, as MX-5 batteries are typically located in the engine bay and a battery over five years old is likely approaching the end of its service life, particularly given low usage patterns that can lead to repeated shallow discharge cycles. Finally, verify the service history stamps in the book and confirm that time-based servicing items such as coolant, brake fluid, and spark plugs have been attended to within their recommended intervals rather than purely on mileage, as calendar-based degradation of brake fluid in particular can compromise braking performance even on a low-mileage example, and ensure the soft-top roof mechanism, fabric condition, and rear screen are sound, as these are common wear points on a 16-year-old MX-5 that are not assessed under the MOT but are essential to overall vehicle integrity.