2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · EN16 RWF

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent and worsening trend regarding brake system corrosion. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 52,169 miles passed, the tester identified all four brake pipes as corroded and covered in grease. This follows a recurring issue dating back to 2022 and 2023 where specific front and rear pipes were repeatedly flagged. The car achieved a clean result in 2024, but the return of systemic corrosion in 2025 suggests that the underlying degradation has not been fully rectified. The mileage profile is notably low for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,200 miles per year. Data shows steady annual usage, such as the 6,940 miles driven between September 2023 and 2024, and 5,704 miles the following year. This low mileage typically indicates less wear on the engine and drivetrain, but it often leads to accelerated degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of corrosion on metal surfaces like brake lines when the vehicle is left stationary for long periods. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the brake lines to ensure the corrosion noted in 2025 has been replaced rather than merely masked. The presence of grease on the pipes is often an attempt to hide rust, which compromises the structural integrity of the hydraulic lines. Additionally, the failure in 2022 due to a fractured nearside coil spring indicates that the entire suspension should be checked for signs of fatigue or rust, as these components are prone to failure on vehicles of this age regardless of low mileage.