1997 Mazda MX5 1.8L Petrol · R963 JBA

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a recent shift toward developing component wear. In the most recent test in September 2025 at 167,609 miles, the tester identified a severely deteriorated nearside front upper suspension ball joint dust cover. This defect follows a three-year period of clean passes between 2022 and 2024, suggesting that while the vehicle was maintained, rubber components are beginning to reach their service limit due to age. The mileage pattern is remarkably low for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,780 miles per year. Between September 2022 and September 2025, the car covered only 2,551 miles, indicating very infrequent use or long periods of storage. While low mileage typically preserves mechanical components like engine internals and braking surfaces, it increases the risk of degradation in rubber bushings, seals, and structural corrosion, which are often the primary concerns on older MX5 chassis. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the suspension geometry, specifically the nearside front assembly as flagged in the 2025 record. The failure in August 2022 regarding a serious fluid leak on the nearside rear shock absorber indicates that the damping system is prone to age-related failure. Given the high age and low annual usage, the inspection should also focus on structural integrity in the sills, floor pans, and wing arches, as these areas often suffer when vehicles sit stationary for extended periods.