2010 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · GV10 KFC

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 July 2026 returned a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, following similarly clean passes in 2025 and 2024. This indicates a stable and well-maintained trajectory in the most recent testing cycle. However, a review of the earlier history reveals a cluster of advisories in 2022 and 2023 relating to rear coil spring corrosion, rear sub-frame corrosion, and general integral body structure corrosion, alongside a presentation failure in July 2023 for a non-functioning nearside front position lamp. The lamp defect is a minor electrical rectification, but the corrosion advisories are notable because Mazda 2s of this era are known to develop surface corrosion on rear suspension and underbody components, particularly in areas subjected to winter road salt. Although these items were classed as not seriously weakened at the time of test, they represent an ongoing condition that warrants careful physical inspection, as corrosion does not plateau and can progress between MOTs. The recorded mileage of 94,670 miles across approximately sixteen years equates to an annual average of around 5,917 miles, which is substantially below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and suggests either genuinely low usage or extended periods of standing. While low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it simultaneously introduces age-related degradation concerns. Long standing periods accelerate tyre sidewall perishing, brake disc corrosion due to infrequent use, brake caliper seizure from lack of regular cycling, and 12V battery deterioration, particularly if the vehicle is not kept on a maintenance charger. The fact that the offside and nearside rear tyres were flagged in 2022 for cracking and perishing supports this profile, as tyre rubber degrades primarily with age rather than mileage. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection is strongly advised given the vehicle's age and standing-related risks. All four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, DOT date codes checked to confirm they are within a safe age window, and tread depth verified even if the tyres appear visually acceptable. The braking system should be evaluated by road testing the vehicle from cold; listen for any grinding or squealing indicative of corroded brake discs, and feel for pulling to one side which could suggest a binding or seized caliper piston. At the rear, the coil spring mounting areas, sub-frame pick-up points, and general underbody should be inspected on a ramp for advancing corrosion beyond what was recorded in 2023. The boot floor, sill seams, and rear axle mounting points should be tapped to check for structural softening, and any bubbling beneath the rear light clusters or around the rear screen should be noted as it is common on hatchbacks of this generation. In addition, given the calendar age of the vehicle, time-based servicing items should be verified regardless of recorded mileage. The engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid all degrade chemically with age and typically require replacement on a four to five year cycle, while the cambelt on this Mazda 2 petrol engine is due at six-year or 90,000 mile intervals and should be confirmed as recently replaced with supporting documentation. The 12V battery should be load tested, as a sixteen-year-old original unit will be at the end of its service life even if the vehicle still starts. Finally, verify a complete service book history with stamps corroborating the low mileage, and inspect the condition of the rear number plate surround, since the front plate deterioration advisory in 2023 suggests the plastic mounting may be perished. Overall, the MOT record indicates a structurally sound and consistently maintained vehicle, but the low-mileage, high-age profile means the buyer should prioritise age-related deterioration checks over traditional high-mileage wear items.