2002 Mazda 626 1.8L Petrol · FM51 UOU

A recurring theme of brake-related wear underpins this 2002 Mazda 626's MOT history, with the rear brake discs appearing as advisories on three separate occasions between 2007 and 2012. The earliest entry in 2007 flagged the offside rear disc as slightly scored, and by January 2012 both rear discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored, although not considered seriously weakened at that point. A user-entered comment after the 2011 test reinforced the same observation about both rear discs being scored. Beyond the brake discs, the vehicle's test record is otherwise relatively stable. Two failures are recorded, both involving lighting and headlamp issues rather than structural or braking problems: a 2010 test failure for an offside front brake pad below 1.5 mm, an offside rear number plate lamp, and an offside front position lamp; and a 2009 test failure presented as PRs for headlamp aim being too low on both sides and a nearside dipped beam not functioning. Each of these failures was addressed and the car subsequently passed on the same testing visit. The most recent entry, dated 5 January 2012, was a pass with the dual rear brake disc advisories, and there are no further tests on file thereafter, meaning the car has not been presented for an MOT for over fourteen years. That absence of recorded testing means no verifiable roadworthiness data exists beyond January 2012, which is a significant consideration for any prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 110,494 miles against a vehicle that is approximately twenty-four years old equates to an average annual accumulation of around 4,604 miles, which is notably low for a car of this age. Across the five-year window of recorded MOTs from 2007 to 2012, the vehicle was tested annually, suggesting it was in active use during that period and likely accumulating mileage in line with its low annual average. However, the gap from January 2012 to the present day is considerable, and there is no mileage evidence to confirm whether the car has been driven regularly, used sparingly, or laid up for extended periods since then. Mechanically, a long lay-up on a car of this vintage would raise concerns about seized brake calipers, perished rubber components including suspension bushes, brake hoses, and coolant hoses, stale brake fluid, and potential corrosion in areas not visible during routine MOT inspection such as the underbody, fuel lines, and inner box sections. Given the consistent advisory pattern on the rear brake discs, the rear braking system should be the first area of physical inspection. Check the current condition and thickness of both rear discs, as the advisories indicate a progressive deterioration from slight scoring in 2007 to pitting and scoring by 2012, and after fourteen further years they will almost certainly require replacement. Inspect the rear brake pads, calipers, and flexible brake hoses for seizure, corrosion, or cracking. Examine the offside front brake system as well, since that was the location of the only brake-related failure in 2010, and confirm the caliper slide pins and pads are functioning freely. During a test drive, listen for any grinding, pulsation through the pedal, or pulling to one side under braking, which would indicate warped rear discs or a binding caliper. The suspension and underbody warrant close scrutiny on a car of this age that has potentially been stationary for extended periods. Inspect all visible suspension arms, bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs for cracking, perishing, or corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear subframe mounting points and any brake pipe routing along the chassis. Look for evidence of oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, as seals on a low-mileage engine that has been started only occasionally can weep rather than catastrophically fail. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven road surfaces, particularly from the rear, and feel for any vagueness in the steering or excessive body roll. Verify operation of all exterior lighting including dipped beam, position lamps, and the number plate illumination, as both recorded failures involved non-functional lamps. Finally, confirm the vehicle's current VED and tax status, and be aware that without an MOT certificate dated within the last year, the car cannot be legally driven on public roads until it has been tested and passed.