2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · YE02 CFO

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 29 August 2025 with no recorded defects, indicating a stable mechanical condition. The pattern of failing an initial test only to pass the following day suggests that the vehicle may have been presented with minor, easily rectified issues or perhaps administrative oversights rather than systemic mechanical failure. Since the most recent test occurred nearly eleven months ago, the car has remained off the road or un-tested for a significant period relative to the current date of 28 July 2026. With a total of 87,977 miles over 24 years, the vehicle averages approximately 3,666 miles per annum, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. The mileage accumulation between the February 2023 test at 80,425 miles and the September 2024 test at 83,007 miles shows a period of very light usage, followed by a more concentrated increase of roughly 4,900 miles in the subsequent twelve months leading to August 2025. This low-mileage profile often points to a vehicle that has spent significant time in storage, which can sometimes lead to issues with seized components or perished rubber seals that do not always appear on a standard MOT check. Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the chassis and sills, as the MX-5 model is notoriously prone to corrosion in these areas. Even with clean MOT history, surface rust can progress rapidly if the vehicle has been stored in damp conditions during its periods of inactivity. You should verify the condition of the suspension bushes and the state of the brake discs, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from surface oxidation on braking surfaces and the hardening of rubber suspension components. A thorough check underneath the vehicle is essential to ensure that the lack of recorded advisories reflects genuine care rather than a superficial approach to annual testing.