2006 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · CE06 AFZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a clearly worsening trend regarding structural integrity. While it passed the latest test in October 2025 at 107,857 miles, the tester identified corrosion on both inner and outer sills, alongside corrosion on both rear suspension arms. This represents a significant degradation from the 2024 test where only sill corrosion was noted, and the 2023 test where the corrosion was described as slight. The progression of rust suggests that the vehicle is reaching a critical stage in its life cycle. At 107,857 miles, the car has covered very low mileage for its age, averaging approximately 5,400 miles per year. The data shows a consistent pattern of low usage, with a notable gap of only 13,000 miles between 2017 and 2022. However, this low mileage often masks mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, and frequently correlates with the vehicle sitting for long periods. This environment often accelerates moisture-related issues, explaining the advanced rust on the sills and suspension components despite the low odometer reading. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the artwork, specifically focusing on the depth of the corrosion on the sills. Because the tester has flagged this area for three consecutive years, the structural integrity of the chassis may now be compromised beyond a simple surface repair. The record also shows a history of suspension component failure, such as deteriorated rubber bushes noted in 2017 and corroded arms in 2025. Maintenance history also indicates a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care, evidenced by failures for thin front brake pads in 2021 and multiple advisories for worn tyres in 2023. These issues suggest the previous owners only addressed faults when prompted by an MOT failure rather than performing routine maintenance. Any purchaser should verify the exhaust system for the leak identified in 2021 and ensure that the rear suspension arms have not developed significant play due to the ongoing rust.