1998 Mazda 626 2.0L Petrol · S957 AGU

With only four MOT tests recorded and a mixture of passes, advisories, and one fail since 2022, the defining mechanical story of this 1998 Mazda 626 centres on a single front-end brake and suspension defect cluster that was rectified but warrants ongoing vigilance. The 2022-09-22 test resulted in a failure with two Major defects for excessively deteriorated front brake hoses on both sides, alongside a Minor advisory for a severely deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover. Eight days later on 2022-09-30, the vehicle returned for a retest, passed, but the same ball joint dust cover advisory remained noted, indicating it had not been replaced at that point. Since then the car has passed three consecutive tests with only minor cosmetic advisories relating to tyre perishing and a deteriorated number plate, suggesting the brake hoses were indeed renewed and the front end has held up reasonably well in the interim. The recorded mileage of 42,638 miles across approximately 28 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 1,500 miles, which is well below typical usage for a vehicle of this vintage. There is also a notable gap in testing history between 2023 and 2025, with no recorded MOT during the intervening period, and the vehicle was clearly off the road for stretches given the low overall mileage. Such low annual usage can reduce wear on major drivetrain components but simultaneously accelerates degradation of rubber and polymer items through age-related perishing, dry rot, and seal hardening. The fact that tyre cracking advisories have appeared on the most recent test after years of relatively clean results aligns with this pattern, as tyres older than five or six years can deteriorate regardless of tread depth. The historical gap and sporadic testing rhythm should be confirmed through the V5C and any supplementary service records before purchase. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points are concentrated around the front brake and suspension components that triggered the 2022 failure. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, as this could indicate worn ball joints, deteriorated bushes, or play in the front suspension arms that has developed since the dust cover advisory was last recorded. Pay particular attention to the steering response; any vagueness, clunking on full lock, or uneven tyre wear across the front pair would suggest the suspension geometry or ball joints require closer examination. With respect to the braking system, depress the pedal firmly and check for any sponginess, excessive travel, or pulsation, which could indicate that the replacement brake hoses fitted in 2022 are showing early signs of deterioration, or that the calipers have begun to bind through lack of use given the low mileage. The braking system overall merits a raised inspection on a driveway, including a check for any fluid leaks around the front calipers, flexible hose joints, and along the rigid brake pipe runs underneath the vehicle where corrosion can take hold on a car of this age. Inspect the tyres closely for sidewall cracking, bulging, or uneven wear, particularly on the nearside pair which were flagged for perishing in March 2026, and verify that replacements are of consistent age and specification across both axles. Given the long standing periods implied by the low mileage, also examine the exhaust system for external corrosion and check for any signs of oil leakage from the engine and transmission seams, as seals that remain static for extended intervals often weep once the car returns to regular use. Finally, a thorough road test incorporating several full application stops from higher speeds will help confirm that the braking system is pulling evenly and operating without judder, which is the most practical way to detect any binding calipers or warped front discs before committing to purchase.