1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P657 DEP

The most recent MOT, dated 4 February 2026, resulted in a failure. The failure was recorded alongside several advisories, notably corrosion of both front and rear sub‑frames, fluctuating front service brakes and a major reduction in the strength of the off‑side inner seat‑belt anchorage. Over the preceding five‑year period the MOT record shows a progression from a mixture of advisories to repeated failures, with corrosion and brake‑related items becoming more frequent and a serious seat‑belt defect now appearing. This pattern indicates a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than a stable or improving one. At 72,136 mi the car averages roughly 2,500 mi per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a vehicle of its age. Such low annual mileage often reflects long periods of storage or very gentle use, conditions that can accelerate age‑related decay of rubber components, battery plates and protective coatings. While the low mileage reduces the cumulative wear on engine and transmission internals, it does not mitigate the effects of time on corrosion‑prone areas such as the sub‑frames, suspension arms and brake hardware that dominate the MOT history. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the sub‑frame condition; visual inspection should focus on any rust perforation, loss of metal thickness or cracked welds at mounting points, and a test‑drive should be used to listen for chassis flex or clunking when negotiating bumps. The front coil springs and lower ball joints have been flagged as corroded or with slight play, so the suspension should be checked for excessive compliance, uneven tyre wear and any knocking noises under cornering or braking. The brake system, flagged for imbalance and fluctuating service brake pressure, warrants a thorough inspection of the master cylinder, caliper pistons and brake lines for fluid leakage, as well as a bench test of the brake pedal for consistent pressure; any pulsation or shudder at the pedal or wheel rim during a drive would confirm the need for servicing. The power‑steering hose leak, the exhaust lambda sensor out‑of‑spec reading and the compromised seat‑belt anchorage are safety‑critical items that must be rectified before the vehicle can be legally driven, and the buyer should request evidence of repairs and a subsequent passing MOT. Beyond the recorded defects, age‑related checks are essential. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for dry‑rot, cracking or hardening, with the tread depth measured and the DOT code confirming the tyres are not older than six years. The 12‑volt battery, likely to have suffered from long periods of inactivity, should be load‑tested and its terminals inspected for corrosion. All fluid reservoirs—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid—should be sampled for colour, sediment and moisture, as time can degrade their protective properties even with low mileage. Finally, verify the service book for regular oil changes, timing‑belt replacement (if applicable) and any documented corrosion treatments; a well‑documented maintenance history can offset some of the concerns raised by the MOT advisories, but the buyer should be prepared for imminent corrosion remediation and brake system refurbishment.