2010 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · FT59 AXM

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-05-09 confirms it passed without defects at 80,162 miles, though it had failed the previous test just three days earlier at 80,138 miles. This pattern of consecutive failures and passes—observed in both 2024 and 2025—suggests the vehicle was driven directly from one test to the next, likely to avoid a grace period. While no recurring mechanical issues were recorded, the lack of defects on passing tests does not preclude underlying wear. The 2025 tests occurred just 10 months ago, which is within the standard 12-month MOT cycle, but the rapid turnover hints at either proactive scheduling or a vehicle that narrowly avoids minor failures. The recorded mileage of 80,162 miles over 16 years equates to approximately 5,000 miles annually, a figure significantly lower than the UK average for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests—consistently around 12 months—align with legal requirements, but the absence of any mileage progression between failures (e.g., 75,032 to 75,125 miles in 2024) suggests the vehicle may have been stationary or lightly used during those periods. This could indicate reduced wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes or drivetrain seals, though it also raises questions about why the vehicle was not driven more regularly, potentially allowing corrosion or fluid degradation to develop unnoticed. Given the lack of recorded defects, the most critical areas for an in-person inspection should focus on components prone to silent deterioration in low-mileage vehicles. The suspension—particularly rear coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—should be checked for uneven wear or fluid leaks, as these often fail without warning. Brake discs and calipers, though not flagged in tests, may exhibit uneven thickness or binding, especially if the vehicle was left stationary for extended periods. Structural integrity, including underbody corrosion around the sills, wheel arches, and exhaust system, must be scrutinised, as rust can compromise safety without immediate MOT failure. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive corrosion, as emissions-related failures are common in older models even when other systems appear intact.