2020 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · FE70 SFY

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing mechanical wear following periods of cleanliness. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 29,701 miles, the record introduced several advisories that were not present in previous years. This transition from a clean sheet to multiple minor suspension and braking defects suggests that components are now reaching the end of their first service life due to age rather than high-mileage. The mileage profile is notably low for a six-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. The data shows consistent intervals, moving from 18,148 miles in August 2023 to 24,678 miles in August 2024, and reaching 29,701 miles by 2025. This low-frequency use often leads to the degradation of rubber components and the corrosion of metal surfaces like discs, which aligns with the specific issues identified in the latest MOT report. A buyer must prioritize an inspection of the rear braking assembly and front suspension. The August 2025 test flagged both nearside and offside rear brake discs as pitted and scored, indicating the car may have sat for long periods allowing surface rust to etch. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint now shows play, which will require replacement to prevent future handling issues. The slight distortion of the offside rear road wheel also warrants a check for vibrations or uneven tyre wear during a test drive. The failure in 2024 highlights a previous lapse in basic consumable maintenance regarding tyres and wipers, though these were rectified for the subsequent pass. Given the current advisories, the focus should remain on the structural integrity of the rubber components and the condition of the brake hardware. Checking for seized calipers or the depth of the rear discs is essential to ensure the low-mileage history has not masked underlying degradation of the braking system.