2008 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · FN08 XME

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a persistent failure to address suspension wear. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 82,027 miles resulted in a pass, the advisory for an offside front tyre worn to the legal limit and unevenly suggests a lack of immediate attention to alignment or component wear. The history indicates a reactive pattern where mechanical faults are identified but carried across multiple testing cycles without being rectified. At 18 years old, the recorded mileage of 82,027 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year. The usage pattern appears consistent, with only roughly 6,200 miles driven between February 2024 and February 2026. This low-frequency use often implies shorter trips, but it can also lead to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to age rather than distance, which aligns with the recurring mechanical issues noted in the service history. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry. The nearside front suspension arm ball joint has been flagged with slight play since 2023, and remained an advisory through 2024 and 2025. This persistent fault suggests the component has not yet been replaced. Furthermore, the steering rack free play noted in February 2024 needs to be verified to ensure it has not progressed beyond a minor clearance, which would require a significantly more expensive repair. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, the inspection should also focus on structural corrosion on the sills and wheel arches, which are common for Mazdas of this era. The uneven wear on the offside front tyre recorded in 2026 warrants a professional wheel alignment check to rule out worn tie-rods or incorrect camber settings. The buyer should be prepared for immediate expenditure related to the ball joint and tyre replacement to bring the vehicle up to safety standards.