2007 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · AP56 JHO

A recurring pattern of coil spring corrosion and occasional front suspension component wear dominates the recorded MOT history of this 19-year-old Mazda 3. Both rear coil springs were first flagged as corroded in the May 2023 advisory notice, and the offside rear spring deteriorated further by May 2024, failing the test on the grounds that its cross-sectional area was seriously weakened. The nearside rear spring was then noted as corroded at the same test, suggesting ongoing structural degradation of the rear suspension. Front suspension problems have also surfaced intermittently, with an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint recorded as a failure item in May 2024, and a leaking offside front shock absorber flagged a year earlier in May 2023. Despite these issues, the vehicle achieved clean passes in May 2022, May 2024 (on the retest), May 2025, and most recently on 15 May 2026, with no advisories issued at the last two tests, indicating that the more recent roadworthiness outcomes are reasonably stable once immediate defects were rectified. The recorded mileage of 135,661 miles across roughly 19 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 7,140 miles, which sits comfortably within typical usage expectations for a vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the annual testing record that would imply prolonged periods off the road, and the consecutive annual tests from 2022 through 2026 confirm continuous use throughout that period. Mechanical implications of this mileage profile include moderate wear on common service items such as the engine, transmission, clutch, and ancillary components, though it does not place the vehicle in the high-mileage bracket where major drivetrain refurbishment would be expected as a matter of course. The consistency of testing, combined with a broadly average mileage figure, suggests the car has remained in regular service rather than being subjected to either very light occasional use or hard high-mileage operation. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the rear suspension, given the documented progression of coil spring corrosion from advisory status in 2023 to outright failure in 2024. A thorough underbody inspection is essential, ideally with the vehicle raised, to check both rear springs for surface scaling, flaking, or section loss, and to examine the front springs for similar early-stage corrosion before they reach the same condition. The offside front suspension arm ball joint failure in 2024 warrants a close check of all front suspension linkages, bushes, and joints for perished rubber, free play, or knocking on a test drive over uneven road surfaces and speed humps. A serious fluid leak from an offside front shock absorber was also recorded in 2023, so any residual seepage, uneven damper damping, or inconsistent ride quality across the front axle should be investigated by compressing each corner manually. The May 2025 failure catalogue raises several additional mechanical concerns worth examining before purchase. The nearside front outer constant velocity boot was recorded as split and no longer preventing ingress of dirt, which risks accelerated joint wear if not replaced; listen for clicking or knocking from the front drivetrain during full-lock manoeuvres. The engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was noted as inoperative, meaning a current engine fault may not have been visible to the tester, so the dashboard should be checked for any illuminated warning lights and the vehicle scanned for stored fault codes using diagnostic equipment. The dangerous tyre defects recorded on both front inner tyres, including exposed cords and tread depth below the legal minimum, emphasise the need to verify that the current tyres are in good condition with adequate tread across the full width and no sidewall damage or bulges. Finally, the nearside rear shock absorber fluid leak from the same test should prompt a check of both rear dampers for any weeping fluid, and on the road the buyer should listen for clonking noises from the rear suspension and confirm the car remains level when cornering or braking sharply.