2010 Mazda MX-5 1.8L Petrol · YH10 WJM

The most recent MOT test on 2025-08-11 at 44,688 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester flagged an advisory for light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber. This follows a failure just moments earlier on the same day for the same oil misting issue alongside an offside headlamp aim defect, which was rectified before the retest. The maintenance trend appears stable but requires monitoring, as the recurring shock absorber advisory indicates a gradual deterioration of the damper seals rather than a sudden failure. A fractured nearside front coil spring caused a failure in August 2024 at 41,736 miles, a serious structural concern that was subsequently repaired before the August 2024 pass at 41,766 miles. The vehicle has not presented any failures since, suggesting the suspension repairs were successful, though the emerging damper issue warrants attention. Covering just 44,688 miles over sixteen years equates to an average of roughly 2,793 miles annually, marking this MX-5 as a lightly used example. The mileage accumulation between August 2023 at 37,895 miles and August 2024 at 41,766 miles shows 3,871 miles covered in that year, while the jump from August 2024 to August 2025 at 44,688 miles accounts for 2,922 miles. Such low annual mileage often implies extended periods of standing, which can cause flat spots on tyres or corrosion on brake discs, though the MOT records do not reflect these specific issues. The sparse but consistent testing pattern indicates regular, albeit minimal, use rather than long-term abandonment. A prospective buyer should thoroughly inspect the front suspension components in person. The historical fractured nearside coil spring and the current advisory for offside front shock absorber oil misting point to potential corrosion or wear in the front suspension assembly, common in vehicles that sit stationary for long periods. Check the coil springs and shock absorbers for signs of pitting, corrosion, or active fluid leaks beyond the light misting noted. Examine the structural integrity of the front subframe and mounting points for rust, which can be exacerbated by low-mileage, stationary vehicles. Inspect the offside headlamp lens for any moisture ingress or damage that might cause the aim to drift, and verify the condition of the tyre sidewalls for age-related cracking, as the low mileage means wear is less likely than degradation from time.