2010 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · AX59 CXG

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 October 2022 resulted in a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle was considered roadworthy at that time. Reviewing the broader trend across the documented MOT history, the pattern is broadly stable but reveals one area of clear concern. Between 2017 and 2019 the vehicle passed cleanly with no advisories, demonstrating consistent condition during that period. However, from 2020 onwards, recurring issues began to emerge, including a position lamp failure in 2020, a front tyre edge wear advisory and a note of play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint in 2021, culminating in a Major failure on the same offside front suspension arm ball joint in October 2022. The subsequent Pass just four days later suggests a replacement component was fitted prior to retest. The maintenance trend is therefore mixed, with electrical and front suspension geometry items being the recurring themes, and any prospective buyer should treat the front suspension as a key area for close scrutiny. Recorded mileage stands at 89,837 miles on a 2010 Mazda 2, which equates to an annual average of around 5,615 miles per year. This is notably low usage for a vehicle of its age, and it suggests either predominantly short urban journeys or extended periods of standing between uses. The MOT records show tests roughly annually from 2017 through 2022, which is consistent with moderate but intermittent use. Low annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the engine internals and clutch, but it tends to accelerate degradation of items affected by calendar age and prolonged standing. Of particular relevance are brake discs and calipers, which can corrode and seize during inactivity, the 12V battery which suffers from sulphation if not regularly charged, and rubber and polymer components throughout the vehicle that perish regardless of mileage. Given the recurrence of advisories relating to the offside front suspension arm ball joint across both the 2021 advisory and the 2022 failure, a thorough inspection of the front suspension is essential. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to vague or wandering steering response, uneven front tyre wear, or vibration through the steering wheel, all of which can indicate worn or perished suspension bushes, weakened coil springs, or tie rod end deterioration. It would be prudent to have the nearside components inspected too, as wear patterns often mirror across the axle. The 2021 advisory concerning the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit on its edge suggests tracking or camber irregularities, which should be investigated alongside any suspension work. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and low-mileage profile of this Mazda 2 demand attention to several time-served items. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, even if the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber compounds degrade regardless of mileage. Brake discs, particularly those at the rear on a Mazda 2 of this era, are prone to corrosion and binding calipers from standing, so verify that the vehicle rolls freely when handbrake is released and look for any pulsing or shudder under braking. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as a 16-year-old unit is well beyond typical service life, and all fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil should be checked for condition and evidence of recent replacement. Confirm the service book stamps to verify the timing belt or chain interval has been observed, inspect the underside and wheel arches for corrosion, and ensure that any previously repaired suspension components have been fitted with quality parts to provide confidence in the vehicle's ongoing roadworthiness.