1997 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · R97 MJH

The vehicle demonstrates stable roadworthiness, with no defects recorded in its last five MOT tests, including the most recent 2025-08-12 assessment at 65,059 miles. All prior tests from 2021 to 2024 also showed passes, indicating consistent maintenance and no emerging mechanical issues. The absence of advisories or failures suggests the car has been well-kept, though its low mileage for age warrants scrutiny of potential storage-related wear. The mileage progression shows gradual accumulation, with 63,556 miles recorded in 2021 and 65,059 miles in 2025—a total of 1,503 miles over four years. This slow increase aligns with the vehicle’s age, implying infrequent use or periods of inactivity. No rapid mileage spikes are evident, which reduces immediate wear concerns for consumables like tyres or brake pads. However, the lack of recent high-mileage stress means critical components such as suspension bushes or exhaust systems may not have been fully tested under heavy use. A buyer should inspect the chassis for corrosion, particularly in areas prone to rust, and check suspension components for stiffness or dryness due to low usage. Brake calipers and discs should be tested for binding, as prolonged inactivity can cause seizing. The exhaust system’s integrity is crucial, given the car’s age, and a test drive should confirm smooth gear shifts and absence of unusual noises. While the MOT history is clean, these checks are essential to verify the vehicle’s ongoing reliability.