2010 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · LP59 OSG

The most recent MOT on 19 August 2026 was a pass, albeit with advisories noting wear on the off‑side and near‑side front upper suspension arm pins or bushes. Over the last two years the vehicle has shown a mixed maintenance record: a clean pass in September 2025 was preceded by a failure in early September 2025 for a fractured off‑side front coil spring and a non‑functioning headlamp, while the previous year’s January 2024 failure also cited a fractured front coil spring, excessive exhaust emissions and a service‑brake binding advisory. The recurrence of the coil‑spring fracture suggests that the original repair may have been incomplete or that the underlying load path has not been fully addressed, yet the latest pass indicates that the most critical faults have at least been rectified to a road‑worthy level, though the suspension wear advisories point to a developing issue. At 90,196 miles on a 2010 MX‑5 the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,600 mi, well below the typical UK usage pattern for a sports roadster. Such low utilisation often implies long periods of storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber and metal ageing. The modest kilometre count reduces the likelihood of wear‑related failure of high‑stress components such as the clutch, gearbox synchronisers or rear‑end bearings, but it also raises the probability of age‑related degradation of seals, hoses, and tyre compounds. Any sudden spikes in mileage that are not reflected in the recorded total could indicate unlogged use, so a buyer should verify the service book and any mileage stamps for continuity. Prospective owners should give particular attention to the front suspension and spring assembly. Inspect both front coil springs for cracks, corrosion or broken coils, and verify that the upper arm pins and bushes are free of excessive play; a clunk or thudding noise when pushing down on the front corners or when negotiating bumps would be a clear symptom of worn bushings. The headlamp on the off‑side must be fully operational on dipped beam, and the lighting circuit should be checked for faulty bulbs, wiring or a failing relay. The advisory on service‑brake binding warrants a thorough brake test: feel for any pedal pulsation, increased pedal travel or a dragging sensation when the car is stationary, and examine the calipers for uneven pad wear or seized pistons. Since the vehicle previously failed emissions limits, a quick visual check of the exhaust system for leaks, a functional catalytic converter and healthy oxygen sensors is advisable; a lingering exhaust smell or a noticeable loss of power at idle could indicate lingering issues. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also conduct age‑related inspections irrespective of the MOT record. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, as rubber can deteriorate even when unused; tread depth should still meet legal limits but may be uneven if the tyres have been stored improperly. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify the charge voltage, as long periods of inactivity can reduce capacity. Check all fluid reservoirs – coolant, brake fluid, power‑steering and gearbox oil – for colour change, moisture or sediment, and consider a full fluid change if the service history is incomplete. Finally, look for corrosion on the chassis, under‑body panels and suspension mounts, and ensure that any rust is surface‑level rather than structural, as hidden corrosion can compromise the MX‑5’s lightweight chassis over time.