2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · FN65 BWB

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2016 Mazda 3 was conducted on 7 September 2025, resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded by the examiner. The prior test on 14 January 2025 also returned a pass with no recorded defects, although an earlier entry on the same date shows a failure with no defect details listed, which suggests a minor or administrative issue that was quickly rectified and re-presented for retest on the same day. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has demonstrated a stable maintenance trend, with passes recorded in January 2024 and December 2022, all returned without advisories. The absence of recurring defect patterns across multiple test cycles is a positive indicator of consistent upkeep, although the lack of advisories on a ten-year-old car with nearly 94,000 miles does warrant further physical verification, as advisories are commonly raised for wear items approaching service thresholds. With approximately 94,166 miles recorded over a ten-year period, the vehicle has averaged around 9,417 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates regular use rather than long periods of standing. Consistent annual mileage of this nature tends to keep mechanical components, seals, and fluids in better working condition than low-mileage vehicles that may suffer from dried-out gaskets, seized calipers, or perished rubber due to inactivity. However, approaching 100,000 miles places this Mazda at a stage where several major service intervals become relevant, including timing chain inspection on the Skyactiv petrol engines, suspension bush renewal, and exhaust system fatigue. The mileage accumulation appears steady without any unusual gaps or rapid spikes, suggesting the odometer reading is likely genuine and the vehicle has been used for its intended purpose. Given the clean MOT history and the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on time-based degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, as rubber compounds deteriorate regardless of tread depth, and the production date code on the sidewall should be checked to ensure they are not excessively old. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion and the calipers for binding, particularly if the car has been left standing for extended periods between uses. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as original or aged batteries in vehicles of this vintage frequently struggle to hold charge, especially if the car is used primarily for short journeys. All fluid services, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, should be verified against their calendar-based replacement schedules, with brake fluid being particularly susceptible to moisture absorption after three to four years regardless of mileage. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any clonks or knocks from the front suspension, which could indicate worn lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mounts, as these are common wear items on Mazda 3s approaching this mileage. Any pulling to one side under braking or a pulsating sensation through the pedal would suggest warped brake discs, which on a ten-year-old vehicle with predominantly urban use can result in uneven wear patterns. The steering should be checked for vagueness or knocking, particularly over uneven surfaces, which may point to worn track rod ends or inner tie rods. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at the typical vulnerable points, including the heat shields, mounting rubbers, and any flexible joints, while verifying that the service book contains consistent stamps and that the timing chain has been addressed, as preventative replacement is far more economical than facing a snapped chain and engine damage on these Skyactiv units.