1997 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · P735 ARU

A pattern of isolated but mechanically significant failures punctuates an otherwise unblemished MOT record for this 1997 Mazda MX-5, with two failures and one advisory appearing across the eight tests documented since 2021. The latest entry on 2 April 2026 illustrates this clearly: a pass with no advisories on the same date as a failure for an offside rear service brake binding excessively, suggesting the binding issue was rectified promptly after the test. Earlier, the April 2025 test cycle produced a failure centred on wiper effectiveness and a dangerous triple-tyre defect, with all three tyres showing tears from structural separation or partial failure, alongside a 2023 advisory for a nearside front tyre exhibiting slight damage and perishing. Despite these episodic defects, the record shows five clean passes with no advisories or failures, so while the headline roadworthiness picture is generally favourable, the nature of the failures, particularly the dangerous tyre categorisation and brake binding, demonstrates that wear-related and rubber-component issues remain an active risk profile for this vehicle. Against a 29-year lifespan, the recorded 73,948 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 2,550 miles, a notably low figure that is consistent with either sporadic recreational use or extended intervals of standing. There are no multi-year gaps in the MOT history, with annual testing recorded continuously from 2021 through 2026, indicating the vehicle has not been formally declared off the road and has likely seen at least some use each year. Mechanically, this lower annual mileage reduces wear on high-cycle components such as the clutch, gearbox synchros and engine internals, but it elevates the risk of corrosion seizing, brake caliper slide corrosion, perishing of rubber boots and gaiters, and degradation of brake fluid and hydraulic seals through age rather than use. The observed tyre perishing advisory in 2023 and subsequent dangerous tyre failures in 2025 are consistent with rubber components reaching the end of their service life through ageing rather than wear, which is the dominant degradation mode for a low-mileage, age-heavy car of this profile. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities centre on a thorough inspection of the braking system, with particular attention to the rear brake calipers and mechanisms, given the recorded binding issue on the offside rear. On a test drive, listen for any dragging sensation, uneven deceleration, or a pulling bias under braking, and check that the handbrake releases cleanly without residual drag. The front and rear tyres warrant careful examination for sidewall cracking, bulges, and any exposed ply cords, since the 2025 dangerous failures suggest a systemic issue with rubber integrity that may recur. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, it would be prudent to inspect the condition of all rubber components including suspension bushes, drive shaft gaiters, brake hoses, and the windscreen wiper linkage for hardening or splitting, as these are typical failure points for a car where age rather than mileage governs degradation. Beyond the items directly flagged in the MOT record, a careful inspection of the underbody and structural areas is advisable, as Mazda MX-5s of this generation are known to develop corrosion around the rear arches, sills, and subframe mounting points, none of which would necessarily appear on the MOT record if they have not yet reached failure threshold. During a test drive, pay close attention to any clonking or knocking from the front suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings, all of which are common wear items on this chassis. Finally, a compression test and examination for oil leaks from the camshaft plug, rear main seal, or valve cover gasket would be worthwhile given the engine's age, and the cooling system should be checked for any signs of crusting around the thermostat housing and radiator, as age-related deterioration of hoses and seals is to be expected on a 29-year-old vehicle regardless of its modest mileage.