2004 Mazda MX-5 1.6L Petrol · YM04 WPF

The 2004 Mazda MX-5 passed its most recent MOT on 14 May 2026 at 30,890 miles, and the overall maintenance trend points to a stable but slowly worsening pattern of corrosion and recurring consumable wear. The car has never failed an MOT, yet the same advisory items reappear year on year, suggesting the previous keeper addressed immediate fail risks but deferred cosmetic and long-term structural repairs. In the May 2026 test, the tester flagged an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, plus corrosion on both rear lower outer sills and both rear inner wheel arches. The sill corrosion advisory first appeared in May 2024 and has persisted, indicating the deterioration is active rather than historic. The mileage progression tells a consistent story of very light use. Between May 2022 and May 2026, the recorded distance rose from 27,385 to 30,890 miles, an increase of just 3,505 miles across four years. That equates to roughly 875 miles per year over the last four years, even lower than the lifetime average of about 1,404 miles per year. The accumulation is steady with no sudden spikes or suspicious gaps, so the odometer reading appears genuine and the car has likely spent extended periods stationary. Low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components but often accelerates rubber and corrosion-related deterioration due to lack of use and under-hood condensation. A buyer should inspect the rear sills and inner wheel arches in person, as the corrosion noted in 2024 and 2026 is structural rather than superficial. Mazda MX-5s of this era are prone to rust in these areas, and lower sill corrosion can compromise jacking points and subframe mounting areas if left unchecked. The repeated offside front tyre edge wear suggests possible tracking imbalance or a suspension bush issue, so the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and tracking geometry should be checked thoroughly. The nearside rear brake imbalance advisory from May 2022 was not repeated in later tests, but a road test is still worthwhile to confirm the rear braking system is free from sticking calipers or seized adjusters. Tyre age and condition across all four corners should be verified, as infrequently driven vehicles often suffer from perished sidewalls and uneven wear patterns.