2004 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · MX04 XOX

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean records to age-related degradation. The most recent test in September 2025 at 59,255 miles identified a binding nearside front service brake and perishing on both the nearside front and offside rear tyres. While the car passed without defects between 2021 and 2023, the vehicle is now beginning to show signs of age despite its low mileage. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,700 miles per year. Between August 2021 and August 2023, the car covered only 1,345 miles, suggesting long periods of stationary or minimal use. This low usage explains the specific mechanical issues seen in the 2025 test, such as tyre cracking and brake binding, as rubber components and brake calipers often degrade due to time and inactivity rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural areas noted in August 2024 at 59,053 miles. The tester flagged corrosion across the subframe mountings, suspension component mountings, and rear seat belt anchorages. Although these were not classified as immediate failures at that time, the presence of rust on multiple inner and outer sills indicates that the structural integrity of the chassis is under threat. Close attention is required to ensure this corrosion has not progressed from surface-level to perforation, which is a common failure point for this model.