2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · VX52 TZB

This Mazda MX-5 has maintained a consistent MOT pass record over the past five annual tests, with the most recent inspection on 2025-10-10 confirming no defects or advisories. The vehicle’s roadworthiness status remains stable, though the lack of any recorded issues does not preclude underlying wear—particularly in high-mileage components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers, which are not routinely tested beyond basic functionality. The absence of advisories suggests either diligent servicing or deferred maintenance, but the 2022 and 2021 tests, while passing, do not provide insight into whether critical components were replaced or merely passed inspection without repair. The recorded mileage of 98,318 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 4,097 miles annually, a figure significantly lower than the average for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate certain forms of degradation—such as suspension rubber perishing from static loading or brake fluid degradation from prolonged storage. The consistent annual testing interval indicates compliance with legal requirements, but there are no data points to confirm whether the vehicle was driven regularly or stored, which would influence wear patterns on items like tyres, battery health, or fuel system integrity. Given the lack of advisories or defects in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear subframe and bushings, which are common failure points in this model. The brake system, including caliper binding, disc thickness, and rotor warpage, should be thoroughly checked, as these are not always flagged in a standard MOT but can pose safety risks. Additionally, the underbody should be examined for corrosion, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe mounts, as rust can compromise structural integrity without immediately failing an MOT. The battery, fuel lines, and hoses—often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles—should also be assessed for degradation from age rather than use.