2004 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · EO54 FGV

This 2004 Mazda 3 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 13 March 2026 at 86,900 miles with zero defects recorded. The preceding failure on 12 March 2026 at 86,892 miles also carried no defects, indicating a retest following a minor administrative or procedural issue rather than a mechanical fault. The vehicle has passed every recorded MOT since at least March 2024, and the absence of advisories or failures across all entries suggests consistent upkeep and no recurring mechanical or structural concerns. The mileage pattern reveals a notable gap between March 2024 and March 2025, during which the car covered approximately 19,639 miles in a single year, jumping from 50,010 to 69,649 miles. This represents a significant increase compared to the vehicle's overall average of roughly 3,950 miles per year over its 22-year life. The subsequent year from March 2025 to March 2026 saw only 17,251 miles added, which, while still above the long-term average, indicates a slight reduction in annual usage. The low lifetime mileage overall suggests extended periods of light use or standing, which can introduce its own concerns around deteriorated rubber components, stale fuel, and corroded brake components despite the clean MOT record. Given the absence of flagged defects in the MOT history, there are no recurring faults to guide a targeted inspection. However, the vehicle's age and the mileage spike in 2024 and 2025 warrant a careful physical examination of key wear areas. A buyer should inspect the suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers for deterioration, as older rubber components degrade with time regardless of mileage. The brake discs, pads, and calipers deserve close attention, particularly for signs of binding or uneven wear that may not have reached MOT failure thresholds. Underbody and structural corrosion should be checked thoroughly, as a 22-year-old vehicle is susceptible to rust in sills, subframes, and around mounting points even with low mileage. Tyre condition and age are also worth verifying, since older tyres with adequate tread can still present safety risks due to perishing and reduced grip.