Looks normal to me for an MX5 living outside and not receiving any additional treatments underneath. Bottom line is factory rust prevention is not great on these. Best place to look is underneath as you have the rear arches and boot around number plate lights always tell tail pointers. I brought an 09 sport tech when it was 7 years old but when looking for it I was shocked how bad many were at around this age I’ve still got it but garaged mostly and spray with lanoguard.
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Customer reportedly complained of " odd behavour" above 10 mph. Bought at market or summat.
These cars are in our proximity every other day.
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Wow that’s impressive 
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Don’t use this to evaluate a soft top. Only the PRHT has the potential for rust as it is steel. But it only by these indirect signs can you judge the NC. As has been mentioned above , all the critical stuff is covered in plastic.
My numberplate lights had slight damage with superficial pitting that was easily restored. My sills are fine and original. Any car with heavy rusting around the NP light and any pitting of the rear arches I would be very wary of.
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