2014 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · DV14 FRN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a worsening condition regarding the front suspension geometry. While the car passed the March 2026 test at 86,080 miles, it had failed just days prior due to play in both front suspension arm ball joints and a missing steering rack gaiter. The recurrence of the ball joint issue from the March 2025 test at 81,992 miles suggests that previous repairs were either temporary fixes or lacked comprehensive replacements. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,173 miles per year. The car covered 4,084 miles between March 2024 and March 2025, and another 4,088 miles in the year leading up to the March 2026 test. This steady, low-mileage usage often masks neglect, but the age of the vehicle leads to natural degradation of rubber and metal components which is evidenced by the noted corrosion in the most recent inspection. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front steering and suspension assembly. The missing steering rack gaiter noted in 2026 is a critical concern as it allows grit to enter the internal rack mechanism, leading to premature and expensive failure. Furthermore, the recurring failures of ball joints and the uneven tyre wear recorded in 2024 indicate a persistent alignment issue or worn bushings that have not been properly addressed. The general corrosion mentioned in the March 2026 report requires a close look under the chassis, specifically on structural integrity points and mounting brackets. While the fractured offside rear coil spring from 2024 was resolved, the overall state of the metal should be prioritised to ensure the rust is not merely surface level but does not compromise the structural structure of the Mazda.