2016 Mazda Cx-3 2.0L Petrol · DF16 UPH

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 20 February 2026, following a failure the previous day. The failure was attributed to a fractured offside rear coil spring and insufficient windscreen washer fluid. While the overall MOT history has been relatively stable for several years, the recent emergence of a structural suspension failure and corrosion advisories indicates a shift toward age-related deterioration. The maintenance trend suggests a vehicle that has been generally well-kept but is now beginning to show the inevitable effects of a decade of service. With 44,498 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged only 4,450 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average and suggests a pattern of light urban use or extended periods of inactivity. While low mileage generally reduces mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, it introduces specific risks associated with standing, such as the degradation of rubber components, the accumulation of moisture in the braking system, and the potential for battery sulfation. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the offside front brake pipe, which remains an advisory due to corrosion and the presence of grease or other covering materials. In a professional inspection, the use of grease on brake lines can sometimes be an attempt to mask significant oxidation; therefore, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the pipework is essential to ensure structural integrity and prevent fluid leaks. Additionally, given the recent replacement of the offside rear coil spring, the buyer should verify that the vehicle sits level and listen for any suspension clunks or knocks during a test drive, which could indicate further wear in the surrounding bushes or dampers. Due to the low annual mileage and a history of advisories regarding perishing and cracking tyres, a meticulous check of all tyre sidewalls is required to identify dry rot or weather cracking, regardless of the remaining tread depth. Furthermore, the buyer should inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or evidence of binding calipers, which often occurs when a vehicle stands for long periods. It is also strongly recommended to verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other vital fluids have been changed based on time intervals rather than mileage alone, as calendar-based degradation can compromise internal engine lubrication and cooling efficiency.