2014 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · AV63 XOA

A recurring theme across the six‑year MOT record is progressive wear on the front suspension and tyre surfaces, compounded by emerging corrosion on the rear sub‑frame; the latest test on 20 January 2026 resulted in a failure because the off‑side front windscreen wiper blade was missing, while the other items remained advisory rather than outright failures. The pattern shows that each year the car has accumulated new advisories – front tyre tread approaching the legal limit, slight play in the rear anti‑roll bar linkage, and a growing need to address suspension ball‑joint wear – indicating that wear items are not being fully resolved before the next test. At 132,150 mi the vehicle averages just over 11 000 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits squarely within the normal band for a 2014 model. The MOT history is continuous with no multi‑year gaps, suggesting the odometer reading is reliable and the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This steady usage means that consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components will have experienced proportional wear, and the recorded advisories align with the expected lifecycle of those parts at this mileage. The front tyre tread on both sides is flagged as being close to the legal limit and, on the nearside, shows early cracking; replacement should be scheduled before the next test to avoid a repeat failure. The off‑side front suspension arm ball joint was recorded as excessively worn in the 2025 failure, and the nearside front ball joint received the same rating in 2023 – both are likely to produce a noticeable clunk when passing over bumps, steering wander or a vague looseness in the steering column. A thorough visual inspection of the ball‑joint boots for oil seepage and a test‑drive check for any knock or vibration are essential, and replacement of the affected arms should be budgeted. Rear‑end items also merit attention: the rear anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint shows slight play, which can manifest as a subtle shudder during cornering or a feeling of reduced rear stability, while the rear sub‑frame corrosion, although not yet structurally critical, should be inspected for any progression that could compromise mounting points. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in 2023 and remain advisory, so measuring pad thickness and monitoring for increased pedal travel or pulsation is advisable. Finally, the missing off‑side wiper blade that caused the 2026 failure is a simple replacement, but its absence highlights the need for a complete visual check of all windscreen wiper components before the next MOT.