2010 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · LT10 XJM

The Mazda MX-5 has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness across five consecutive MOT tests, all passing without defects or advisories. The most recent inspection on 2026-03-04, at 36,916 miles, confirms no failures in critical systems—brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust emissions, or structural integrity. This suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, avoiding obvious neglect or catastrophic wear. However, the absence of advisories in any test implies either thorough servicing by previous owners or a history of minor issues that were addressed privately without DVSA intervention. The recorded mileage of 36,916 miles over 16 years—approximately 2,307 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the MX-5’s typical use case. There are no gaps in MOT testing, with each test occurring precisely one year apart, which aligns with legal requirements but does not indicate proactive maintenance beyond the minimum. The steady, slow accumulation of miles—rising by roughly 1,192 miles between tests—suggests the car has spent extended periods in storage or seen very light use. This could mitigate some wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes or brake calipers, but it also raises questions about fluid changes (brakes, clutch, transmission) and tyre rotation, which may have been deferred. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue in low-mileage vehicles that may have sat for prolonged periods. The brakes—though never failed—should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, as prolonged inactivity can lead to corrosion or sticking pistons. Examine the subframe and wheel arches for corrosion, especially around the rear trailing arms and sills, as rust can develop even with minimal movement. Tyre condition, despite no MOT failures, warrants scrutiny: failing twice on tread depth in similar models suggests previous owners may have overlooked basic upkeep, so verify tread depth and lateral wear patterns. Finally, confirm the service history for fluid changes, as deferred maintenance in a lightly used car could lead to hidden issues in the drivetrain or cooling system.