2004 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · SH04 AKK

A fractured near-side front coil spring that triggered a major failure in October 2023 stands out as the primary mechanical blemish on an otherwise steady MOT record, which most recently resulted in a clean pass on 26 January 2026 with zero defects noted. Across eight recorded examinations dating back to 2019, the vehicle has demonstrated consistent compliance following that single suspension failure, supported by consecutive pass certificates in 2024 and 2026. Rather than showing a pattern of recurring deterioration, the defect history is limited to the broken spring and a single advisory for thin front brake pads recorded in October 2021, indicating that structural and consumable faults have been isolated rather than systemic. Accumulating a total of 65,567 miles over its approximately twenty-two years on the road translates to an average of roughly 2,980 miles per year, representing a notably low annual usage profile. This restrained mileage accumulation, combined with a testing gap between April 2019 and September 2020, points toward periods of lighter use or intermittent storage. Mechanically, low-mileage sports cars of this age require careful scrutiny of rubber components, suspension bushes, and structural members, as infrequent use can accelerate environmental degradation even if wear-and-tear items have not been rapidly consumed. When inspecting the car on a test drive, pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering geometry, listening closely for any metallic knocks, clunks, or groaning noises over speed humps and rough tarmac to ensure the replacement front coil spring and associated mounts are functioning correctly. Check the front brake discs and pads for judder under braking, verifying that the friction materials have plenty of remaining thickness following the previous wear advisory. Given the age and low-mileage profile, a thorough physical inspection of the chassis, sills, and subframe on a ramp is essential to rule out hidden corrosion beneath the underseal, alongside checking for any weeping oil from the engine and drivetrain components during a warm idle.