I’ve seen an end-2018 registered MX-5 ND 2.0 that I like the look of.
One owner and it has very low mileage. It as only done 2,000 miles since it was last serviced by Mazda in early 2020. It’s been for sale since mid-Oct last year.
If I buy, I’ll get the oil, filter and brake fluid changed straight away.
Would you avoid altogether or go for it? Many thanks for your advice
Dealer, Mazda independent or private seller?
Needs a long test drive and a good look up on the SH and ownership. If needs be check/ pay for one of these history checkers.
Thanks Mick
It’s an independent dealer.
Has a Mazda SH but has only had PDI and one service because of the very low mileage. In the last 5 yrs, its only done 2,000 miles since that first main Mazda service. The indie dealer claims to have serviced it when they MOTd it in Dec last year. MOT history is super clean, not surprisingly.
As i say, I’d get it fully serviced if I bought it - and HPI checked obviously
What do you reckon?
I’d go for it personally, but also ensure you get the differential oil changed.
Good point, thanks
I’ve just read that very low mileage cars can cause problems aa a result of dried out seals and other rubber components. Hey ho..
I suspect that the brake fluid has never been changed and the oil has been in the car since 2020. The tyres will probably be original too.
I’m really on the fence about this one, even though it’ s my ideal colour and spec.
I agree with others, in that you should check the car put fully.
This vehicle check app is very good and should confirm the mileage.
The vehicle is too young for any MOT data to be recorded on the app, so as suggested, try and get hold of the dealer service history.
Thanks
I have both the Mazda SH and the MOT history. Mazda SH shows PDI and first service only. I suspect the previous owner then did nothing during the pandemic for 2yrs and as its only done 1000 miles in the past 4 yrs, it hasn’t seen a mechanic since.
MOT history shows 5 MOTs without issue.
So how many miles in total since registration and how many owners?
It’s not been unknown for a car of such age to have very low mileage. Just a summer car for a few trips, owner may have been unable to drive it for a while then decides to sell. One plus point, it may not have been a daily, winter use car so that = little corrosion getting to it.
Or…. depending on how many owners, it’s been passed off by a couple has faults/been repaired at some point (should be declared I hope) in it’s life, sort of buyer beware.
As I say do your checks on-line, visual check for any damage repair, shut lines, paint imperfections etc. Not everyone declares damage unless it’s been an insurance claim I’d hope.
Thanks Mick
One owner, elderly couple local to the selling dealer (indie, not franchised)
3,200 miles since first registered mid-Dec 2018
Ah, I missed the fact it was a 2018 ND, so yes, there will be MOT history, as you have found.
Sounds line a good one 
Sounds like a trade in then, probably for a more appropriate car, it happens.
I bought one last year, ND1 10 years old one owner, 23k miles, kept garaged all it’s life from new, only summer use. I bought it direct from the owner, private sale, a reluctant sale. Elderly couple, not the easiest car to get in/out of (me too) when the years creep up on you.
Go for it, if everything checks out for you, should be a very good buy, mine was.
Sounds like it has potential to be a good car but it seriously needs a good going through
All oils etc
Thanks for the advice, appreciated
I’m starting to think that the car I’ve seen isnt worth the ££. I’d have to spend another £1200 approximately on it after purchase replacing all fluids, proper inspection and 4 new tyres. There are better used options for that total cost
This one I presume?
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510167200497
Overall I’d prefer one that had seen a bit more use and that was still serviced regularly, even if it’s only had minimal use.
Are you reasonably close to Frome, to go and have a proper look? Also price-wise, you’ll know from your research I’m sure if this stacks up on value-for-money. I’m always interested in whether dealers have applied a factor on top, for such low mileage which may attract buyers?
Essentially, always buy on condition and that includes taking into account whether it’s been regularly serviced. Paperwork/evidence wise, this one hasn’t. Playing devil’s advocate, I may instead consider one that’s done another 10,000 miles (but still very low mileage for the year) and save £2.5k?
e.g. www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512058409014
Essentially, you’ll only know by directly comparing each example that’s in-scope for you. Which can be difficult when examples are spread out around the country, but that’s all part of the fun and it’s always worth travelling for the right car
Best of luck with the ongoing search,
Steve.
Thanks Steve, that’s the one
I feel the same, a higher mileage car with a service history is a better bet. This car has done 400 miles pa in the past 51/2 yrs and hasn’t been serviced in that time. A recipe for disaster. potentially.
I’m inclined to agree
Although we live in London, I bought my Niseko from Rodden Road in 2014, and they let me see its clean rust-free underneath on their lift, take photos, and take a test drive.
I haggled the price down a bit because of the six year old OEM Bridgestones, but at 17,000 miles it was otherwise immaculate. At the time they had access to the Mazda service history etc and gave me all the previous docs.
I also insisted on a full service and MOT, including bleeding brakes and clutch.
It is an ND2 (the + in the name) so I’d say overall it’s not an awful price. The follow on investment if you plan to keep it longer term should pay off.
Will the selling garage do any of this for you as part of the deal?
I’ve bought from Rodden before, a few years ago, they were good to deal with.
I do wonder if you’re over thinking this and focusing on potential problems too much. At the end of the day it’s an 8 year old car with 3200 miles on it. Whats not to like? You’ve had a couple of people on here that have dealt with the dealer before and say that they were good. If it were me I would explain your concerns about the effects of the low mileage and see what they offer you on a service etc and also warranty. Bearing in mind it was owned by an elderly couple and covid happened for half of its life that would explain the low mileage. If it’s the car you want, colour, spec etc and the price is right then I would certainly go for it. Just make sure you give it a really good test drive making sure everything works as it should and then just buy it and enjoy it. 
