2014 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · ST14 MXS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend regarding structural degradation and neglect. The most recent test in April 2026 at 52,633 miles indicates the car passed despite recurring advisories for corrosion and tyre wear. While the vehicle remains legal, the progression of sub-frame corrosion is a persistent issue that has appeared across multiple years. The presence of defective headlamp lenses and worn tyres on the latest test suggests the owner only addresses the minimum requirements to pass inspection rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is notably low for a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,400 miles per year. The data shows consistent annual usage, with roughly 2,700 miles driven between April 2025 and April 2026, and another 2,600 miles in the year preceding that. This low mileage often reduces mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, but it frequently correlates with accelerated corrosion on rubber components when the vehicle sits for extended periods, which aligns with the structural rust issues noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front and rear sub-frames to assess the depth of the corrosion. The tester has flagged these areas as corroded in 2024, 2025, and 2026, and while structural rigidity is not yet deemed compromised, the oxidation is clearly advancing. The failure in 2025 due to a serious fluid leak on the offside rear shock absorber was subsequently rectified, but the remaining suspension components should be checked for similar leaks or perished bushings. Additionally, the history of pitting on the rear brake discs in 2023 and consistent edge wear on the tyres indicates a lack of proactive attention to alignment geometry and brake care.