2012 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · AK12 VUN

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening structural trend. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 106,873 miles, this followed a failure just one mile prior due to a damaged nearside track rod end dust cover. The presence of corrosion on both the front and rear subframes during this test is a significant concern for the structural integrity of the car, even if the rust did not yet meet the failure threshold. The mileage pattern is consistent with a fourteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,600 miles per year. The record shows steady annual usage, moving from 83,684 miles in October 2022 to 106,873 miles by late 2025. This regular use suggests the car has been driven rather than sitting for long periods, though the consistent mileage has exposed components to the elements, leading to the oxidation issues identified in the later reports. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and subframes to assess the extent of the rust noted in the November 2025 entries. Corrosion on these components often progresses rapidly and can lead to expensive structural repairs. The buyer should also examine the suspension geometry, as the 2024 test flagged play in both anti-roll bar ball joints and the 2025 failure confirmed a deteriorated track rod end. Given the history of thin brake pads and perished tyres, a full check of all consumables is required to ensure no immediate further costs are looming.