2012 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · CV12 FEF

Recurring wear in the front suspension linkages and persistent tyre degradation define the mechanical record of this vehicle. While the latest test on 29 September 2025 resulted in a pass, the history shows a pattern of deterioration in the ball joints and track rod ends, including major failures of the nearside front suspension arm ball joint in 2021. The presence of a current advisory for the offside front suspension arm ball joint, combined with a repeating advisory for a cracking offside rear tyre since 2024, indicates a trend of ongoing wear in these specific areas. The recorded mileage of 91,276 miles is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 6,520 miles per year. This steady accumulation suggests a typical usage profile without significant periods of dormancy or excessive long-distance stress. Mechanically, this level of use typically results in standard wear to drivetrain components and rubber bushings, which aligns with the observed degradation of the suspension joints recorded in the MOT history. A test drive should focus heavily on the front end to identify the current state of the suspension arm ball joints and track rod ends. Listen for audible knocks or clunks when traversing uneven road surfaces or when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Any feeling of vagueness in the steering or a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side may be linked to the recorded play in the offside front suspension components. Visual inspection must include a close examination of the offside rear tyre to assess the extent of the cracking and perishing flagged in the 2024 and 2025 tests. Because the offside front tyre was previously noted as worn close to the legal limit in 2023, the current tread depth and wear patterns across all four tyres should be verified to ensure they are within safe operating limits and not exhibiting uneven wear caused by the aforementioned suspension play.