2002 Mazda B Series 2.5L Diesel · YK02 BUE

The 2002 Mazda B-Series has demonstrated a stable but inconsistent roadworthiness record, with the most recent MOT test on 19 June 2025 passing without defects at 131,684 miles. However, the two failures in April 2025 and March 2023—both without recorded defects—suggest either administrative oversights or minor issues that slipped through testing. The absence of advisories or repeated faults implies no systematic mechanical decline, though the lack of defect details in failures raises caution. The vehicle’s current MOT is just over a year old, which is acceptable but not ideal for a car of this age, given the potential for wear to develop between tests. The recorded mileage of 131,684 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 5,487 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a vehicle of this vintage. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—just 984 miles in over a year—indicates prolonged inactivity, which could accelerate deterioration of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components due to static loading. The rapid mileage accumulation between the 2023 failures (just 12 miles apart) further suggests either a rushed test or a brief period of heavy use, though no defects were logged. This pattern implies inconsistent maintenance rather than mechanical failure. Given the sparse MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which are prone to cracking or degradation in low-mileage but aged vehicles. The brakes, while not explicitly failed, warrant scrutiny for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the car has been stationary for extended periods. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be checked, as rust can compromise the chassis integrity without always being detected in an MOT. The lack of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, so visual and functional assessment is essential.