2011 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · EA61 AEC
2011 Mazda 3 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 25 Nov 2011. Recorded mileage 36,271 miles. MOT expired on 24 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA 3
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 24 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 36,271 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (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.
EA61 AEC Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/10/2025
- 36,271 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EA61 AEC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 Mazda 3 (EA61 AEC) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
EA61 AEC Mileage History
- 15/10/202228,531 mi
- 13/10/202329,921 mi+1,390 mi
- 26/10/202433,928 mi+4,007 mi
- 25/10/202536,271 mi+2,343 mi
Average of roughly 2,556 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mazda Mazda 3 (BL)
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This Mazda 3 is an exceptionally rare find for a 2011 model, boasting a pristine MOT history and very low mileage. It represents a highly recommended purchase for a buyer seeking a reliable, well-maintained petrol hatchback.
Given the outstanding MOT record, the primary focus should be on the service history. Ensure that the low mileage is backed up by a documented service book, as infrequent use can sometimes lead to neglected fluid changes. Check for any signs of long-term storage, such as perished rubber seals or flat spots on tyres that may have sat for extended periods.
Negotiate based on the age of the vehicle rather than the mileage. While the mechanical condition appears excellent, remember that components like timing belts (if applicable) or auxiliary belts may need replacing based on age rather than distance covered. A thorough test drive is still essential to ensure the clutch and gearbox feel smooth, as these are often the first points of wear in older manual hatchbacks.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine is generally economical for its era, though it may not match the efficiency of modern turbocharged units. Insurance should be relatively affordable for most drivers, sitting in a modest group compared to more powerful variants of the Mazda 3.
Annual maintenance should be straightforward, but factor in the cost of routine servicing and potential age-related wear. With tax and insurance considered, you should budget comfortably for annual upkeep, though the lack of recent MOT failures suggests you are unlikely to face immediate, expensive repair bills.
While the MOT history is flawless, you should still perform a physical inspection of the bodywork. Silver paint can sometimes hide minor corrosion, so check the wheel arches and sills closely, which are common areas for rust on Mazda models of this vintage.
Inside the cabin, test all electronic features, including the air conditioning and infotainment system, to ensure they remain functional despite the low usage. Under the bonnet, look for any signs of oil leaks or degraded hoses, as these are common on older petrol engines that have seen limited annual mileage.
With only 36,271 miles recorded as of October 2025, this silver Mazda 3 has been driven significantly less than the average vehicle of its age. The MOT history is exemplary, showing five consecutive clean passes with zero recorded defects or advisories. Its consistent, low-mileage usage suggests it has been well-cared for by previous owners.
The Mazda 3 is widely regarded as a dependable choice in the C-segment, and this specific example's clean MOT history reinforces its reputation for robust mechanical build quality.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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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 2011 model year cars.
- 2.2 MZR-CD Diesel Timing Chain Stretch and WearSerious
The 2.2-litre MZR-CD turbodiesel engine utilizes a single timing chain that is prone to premature wear and elongation. The problem is severely exacerbated by engine oil dilution caused by uncompleted DPF regeneration cycles, where unburnt diesel fuel washes down the cylinder bores into the sump and thins the lubricating oil. Mazda's engine management system actively measures camshaft-to-crankshaft synchronisation; when chain elongation exceeds 10.45 degrees of crankshaft rotation, the ECU illuminates the DPF warning light in a flashing sequence and logs diagnostic trouble code P0168. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth or snap, resulting in catastrophic piston-to-valve collision.
- Variable Plastic Intake Manifold Runner Shutter Flap RattleModerate
Naturally aspirated 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre MZR petrol engines feature a variable-length composite plastic intake manifold equipped with internal tumble/shutter swirl flaps. Over time, engine oil fumes, thermal cycling, and high mileage wear out the plastic bushings supporting the flap operating rod. As the clearance widens, the shutter valves vibrate violently in the incoming airflow, generating a persistent diesel-like tapping or ticking noise from the top of the engine that is often mistaken for worn valve lifters. In severe cases, the plastic flaps can fragment and risk being ingested into the cylinder head, leading owners to fit a replacement manifold or remove the flaps.
- ABS Hydraulic Modulator Pump Valve Failure and Sticking CalipersModerate
The second-generation Mazda 3 frequently experiences internal valve failure within the hydraulic ABS modulator pump unit. Moisture accumulation in neglected brake fluid leads to internal corrosion of the miniature solenoid valves, causing the ABS and DSC traction control warning lights to illuminate permanently, which constitutes an immediate MOT failure in the UK. Concurrently, sliding guide pins on the single-piston rear brake calipers are prone to seizing inside their rubber boots due to British road grit and salt. The seized caliper causes brake drag, overheating the rear discs, destroying the friction pads, and increasing fuel consumption.
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