2006 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · CE06 AHF

The roadworthiness of this vehicle is currently concerning, showing a worsening trend in structural and mechanical degradation. The most recent test in May 2024 at 171,780 miles resulted in multiple critical failures, including a structural defect where the offside rear suspension mounting suffered from excessive corrosion that reduced its strength. This followed a leaking offside front brake hose and an excessively worn suspension arm ball joint. Given that the vehicle has not had an MOT in over two years, it is currently overdue and potentially unsafe for road use. The vehicle has covered 171,780 miles over its 20 year life, averaging approximately 8,600 miles per year. This usage is consistent with typical family motoring for the era, yet the intervals between tests show a pattern of reactive maintenance. Between May 2022 and May 2024, the car covered roughly 5,600 miles but failed the test multiple times for significant issues like suspension rot and hydraulic leaks. The mileage data suggests that while the car is not driven excessively, the mechanical components are only being addressed once they reach a point of failure. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the underbody, specifically focusing on the offside rear suspension mounting area where structural corrosion was previously identified. The history shows a recurring failure of suspension arm bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar linkages, indicating the entire suspension geometry is nearing exhaustion. The braking system also requires close scrutiny, as the 2024 failure for a leaking caliper hose and previous reports of pitted discs suggest the hydraulic lines and hardware may be neglected. Furthermore, the persistent presence of windscreen windscreen chips across a decade of records suggests a lack of preventative care. The buyer should also verify the condition of the CV boots, which were noted as severely deteriorated in 2022, and check the exhaust mountings which have failed repeatedly. Given the structural rust and the overdue MOT, this vehicle represents a high risk of immediate repair costs to bring it back to a roadworthy standard.