2004 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · AJ54 ABF
2004 Mazda 3 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 29 Oct 2004. Recorded mileage 69,411 miles. MOT valid until 28 Feb 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA 3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 69,411 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
AJ54 ABF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/02/2026
- 69,411 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AJ54 ABF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mazda 3 (AJ54 ABF) between February 2024 and February 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (11 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
AJ54 ABF Mileage History
- 21/02/202458,862 mi
- 22/02/202566,908 mi+8,046 mi
- 01/03/202566,912 mi+4 mi
- 17/02/202669,411 mi+2,499 mi
- 17/02/202669,411 mi
Average of roughly 5,298 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mazda Mazda 3 (BK)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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MAZDA 3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
- Rear Wheel Arch and Structural Sill CorrosionSerious
The first-generation Mazda 3 BK suffers from inadequate factory corrosion protection and seam sealing in key moisture-trap zones. UK winter road salt, road grit, and damp mud accumulate behind the rear wheel arch lip returns and plastic arch liners, allowing moisture to attack bare steel. Corrosion typically bubbles through the paint along the rear quarter panel arches and spreads into the structural rear inner sills, jacking points, and rear subframe mounting brackets. Advanced corrosion results in severe structural MOT failure, frequently rendering early UK survivors uneconomical to repair unless cut out and welded with fresh metal.
- 1.6 MZ-CD Turbodiesel Oil Feed Carbon Clogging and Turbo FailureSerious
The 1.6-litre MZ-CD common-rail turbodiesel (co-developed with PSA) is notorious across UK used cars for premature turbocharger failure. Leaking copper fuel injector crush washers allow combustion gases to blow past into the engine crankcase, rapidly turning engine oil into sludgy carbon deposits. These carbon particles lodge in the microscopic gauze filter screen housed inside the turbocharger oil feed banjo bolt. Starved of clean oil flow, the turbo bearings overheat, produce a siren-like whine, and rapidly disintegrate, dumping metal shards into the intake and intercooler. A permanent fix requires injector resealing, sump drop, and banjo filter removal.
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