2010 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · FN60 LRV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 December 2025, was passed but returned four advisories concerning the rear seat‑belt webbing, front inner brake disc condition, and the tread depth of both front tyres. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from a pattern of failures in 2022 (dangerous stop‑lamp failure, a leaking front shock absorber and excessive play in the near‑side track‑rod end) and a mixed result in 2023 (minor lamp failures and suspension wear) to a series of passes with only non‑critical advisories. This trajectory indicates that the most serious faults have been addressed, yet a number of wear‑related items continue to recur, suggesting a maintenance regime that is now stabilising but still requires attention to the front suspension and braking components. At 99,926 miles recorded in 2026 the car averages roughly 6,200 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical usage envelope for a sixteen‑year‑old Mazda 2. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, nor is there evidence of accelerated mileage accumulation that would have unduly taxed the drivetrain. Consequently the wear observed on the brakes, tyres and suspension is more a function of age and normal use rather than excessive mileage, but the modest annual distance does mean that components such as the clutch, timing belt (if applicable) and engine oil seals may have benefited from longer service intervals and could be approaching the end of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front braking system. The inner discs are reported as pitted and approaching the minimum thickness; this can manifest as a pulsating pedal, reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances, especially when the pads are applied hard. Measuring disc thickness and checking for scoring is advisable, and replacement of the discs (and possibly the pads) should be budgeted. Both front tyres are flagged as being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear, so a full tyre set replacement is prudent; look for uneven wear patterns that could reveal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. The near‑side front suspension arm pin, bush and ball joint have been noted as worn with slight play, and the off‑side anti‑roll bar linkage dust cover is deteriorating – these items can produce clunking noises over bumps, vague steering wander and eventual loss of precise handling. A thorough visual inspection of the control‑arm bushings, ball joints and anti‑roll bar mounts, followed by a road test listening for knocks and feeling for any looseness when turning or braking, will confirm whether replacement is required. In addition to the wear items, verify that all exterior lighting is fully operational, especially the stop lamps and front position lamps that have previously failed. Inspect the rear seat‑belt webbing for fraying and ensure the latch functions correctly. Given the vehicle’s age, assess the condition of the 12 V battery (check voltage and cranking performance), examine the engine bay for any signs of fluid leakage or corrosion on the cooling system and exhaust, and confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals – many of these fluids degrade with time even if the car is not driven heavily. Finally, a comprehensive service history check, including any recent suspension or brake work, will give confidence that the recurring advisories have been addressed and that the car remains mechanically sound for continued ownership.