2018 Mazda Cx-3 2.0L Petrol · AV18 MZP

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this Mazda CX-3 was conducted on 17 March 2026, at which the vehicle achieved a pass. The only advisory recorded at that test was a note concerning the front brake pads wearing thin. This represents a stable maintenance trend overall, as there are no recorded failures within the last four MOT cycles, and the advisory items issued over the documented history have been relatively minor in nature. However, a recurring advisory has appeared regarding the front brake pads, first noted in April 2022 and again in March 2026, suggesting that this is a component requiring close attention as the brake friction material is now approaching the end of its effective service life and will likely need replacement in the near term. The recorded mileage of 67,895 miles over an eight-year service life equates to an annual average of approximately 8,487 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no obvious significant gaps in the testing history, with annual or biennial MOT submissions suggesting the vehicle has been in regular road use rather than left standing for extended periods. This level of consistent usage is generally beneficial from a mechanical longevity perspective, as it reduces the likelihood of severe corrosion on brake discs due to standing, dried-out fluid seals, and perishing of rubber components from inactivity. The mileage itself, while moderate, indicates that consumable items such as the braking system, tyres, and suspension components will have experienced normal wear associated with this distance. Given the recurring advisory concerning the front brake pads, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the remaining pad material thickness on both sides of the front axle and measure the front brake disc wear using a micrometer, as worn pads frequently accelerate disc wear through metal-to-metal contact. On a test drive, any signs of brake shudder through the steering wheel, a spongy or excessively long brake pedal, or grinding noises from the front wheels would warrant immediate further investigation. The brake fluid should also be checked, as it is typically due for renewal every two to three years regardless of mileage, and degraded fluid can lead to reduced braking efficiency and potential ABS system concerns. Additional age-related inspection points should be addressed even though the MOT record is largely clean. The nearside front tyre advisory from 2023 regarding cracking or perishing highlights the importance of checking all four tyres for sidewall deterioration, particularly as the vehicle reaches its eighth year, when rubber compounds begin to harden and crack irrespective of tread remaining. The 2021 windscreen damage should be re-inspected to ensure it has not progressed to a point where it now impedes the driver's view and would constitute a future failure. It would also be prudent to verify the condition of the 12V battery, inspect the underside of the vehicle and wheel arches for structural corrosion typical of Mazda products approaching this age, examine the condition of suspension bushes and coil springs for any play or cracking, and confirm that the service book contains evidence of timely oil and filter changes, as adherence to the manufacturer's service intervals remains essential for long-term drivetrain reliability.