2010 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · M5 LMR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. In the most recent test in May 2025 at 60,693 miles, the car initially failed due to a structural failure in the offside rear tyre and a worn suspension bush. While it passed after these repairs, a worn nearside front suspension arm bush and a defective fuel flap remain. This suggests that mechanical issues are only addressed once they reach a failure point during the annual inspection. At 16 years old, the MX-5 shows a pattern of very low annual usage, averaging approximately 3,800 miles per year. There is a significant gap in recorded mileage between April 2022 at 39,573 miles and March 2024 at 54,119 miles, covering over 14,000 miles in two years. While low mileage generally reduces wear on the drivetrain, the long periods of potential inactivity often lead to accelerated degradation of rubber components and fluid-related issues, which aligns with the recurring reports of worn bushes and corrosion in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear sub-frame and suspension components. The 2024 test flagged corrosion on the rear sub-frame and suspension which, while not seriously weakened at the time, is a known critical point for this model and requires constant monitoring for structural integrity. The brakes also show a history of binding calipers and pitted discs across both 2022 and 2024, indicating the system may be prone to seizing due to low use. Physical verification of the front suspension arm bushes is essential to ensure the 2025 failure was properly rectified.