2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0L Petrol · PL65 TZB

A clear and unblemished roadworthiness record defines this 2016 Mazda MX-5 across its seven recorded DVSA tests, with the most recent examination on 2026-02-16 returning a pass and no advisories or defects logged. From the first entry in 2019 through to early 2026, every test has been passed, and the only advisory ever recorded appeared on 2020-08-26, when all four tyres were noted as perished. This solitary advisory has not been repeated in any subsequent test, suggesting the tyres were addressed at the time and that no recurring component has triggered further examiner attention. The absence of structural advisories, brake warnings, suspension concerns, or exhaust flags across the full record points to a vehicle that has consistently met the minimum statutory standards without any pattern of deterioration. With 35,038 miles recorded over a ten-year span, the vehicle has averaged roughly 3,500 miles annually, a notably low figure that places it well below typical usage for a car of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, and the annual MOT cadence is consistent, indicating the car has remained in active service and on the road throughout the period rather than being laid up for prolonged intervals. Mechanically, this level of light use reduces wear on major drivetrain and braking components, but it also carries the well-documented implications of low-mileage operation, including the potential for ageing of rubber and polymer components that degrade with time regardless of distance covered. The single perished-tyre advisory in 2020 is consistent with rubber ageing on a lightly driven car, and this remains the only area where time rather than mileage appears to have left its mark on the test record. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points are the items most exposed to time-based deterioration on a low-mileage convertible of this vintage. The tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and manufacture date, as the 2020 advisory suggests this car has historically been vulnerable to premature rubber perishing, and any replacements fitted since should be inspected for age as well as wear. Underneath, the underside and wheel arches should be examined closely for surface corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points, suspension arms, and brake pipe runs, as these areas can oxidise on a car that has seen limited mileage and therefore limited road grime washing. The brake discs, which can develop corrosion lips and pitting from infrequent use rather than wear, should be inspected for lip height and surface condition, and the handbrake mechanism checked for binding given the low annual mileage. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension response over uneven surfaces, listening for any knocks or rattles that might indicate worn bushes or top mount wear, as these components can deteriorate with age even on low-mileage vehicles. The steering should be assessed for any play or clonking through the lock, which can highlight worn tie rod ends or inner rack wear on the MX-5. Brake feel should be smooth and progressive, with the pedal not requiring excessive travel, and any judder under braking would warrant closer inspection of the discs. Given the convertible body style, the roof mechanism, hood fabric condition, and rear window integrity should all be examined, as these are not MOT items but represent common age-related concerns specific to this model. Finally, with such a low recorded mileage, a compression test or at minimum a thorough cold-start observation would be prudent to confirm the engine and ancillary systems remain in healthy operational condition despite the limited use.