2014 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · DE64 SFU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following its most recent test on 5 June 2026 at 86,933 miles, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening pattern regarding suspension components. While the car passed, the tester flagged corrosion on both rear coil springs and slight play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar ball joint. This follows a series of recurring issues with the suspension and chassis that have become more frequent since 2023. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,244 miles per year. The records show a steady increase from 20,111 miles in October 2017 to the current 86,933 miles. A notable jump occurred between May 2023 and May 2024, where the mileage rose from 60,423 to 83,390, suggesting a period of higher usage compared to the more gradual increases seen in the earlier years of the vehicle's life. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the underside of the car, specifically the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history reveals a persistent issue with coil spring corrosion, dating back to a failure in May 2021 when both rear springs were fractured, and continuing through advisories in 2023 and 2025. The 2023 test also highlighted widespread concerns including pitted brake discs across all four corners, a corroded rear axle, and corrosion on the offside front brake pipe. The recurring advisories for anti-roll bar components and ball joint play suggest that the suspension bushings and linkages are reaching the end of their service life. Although the 2024 test showed no defects, the immediate return of structural and mechanical advisories in 2025 and 2026 indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of more frequent component replacement. Thoroughly inspecting the integrity of the rear axle and the condition of the brake lines is essential to ensure the corrosion noted in previous years has not progressed beyond repairable limits.