2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · GV65 JFO

The vehicle’s most recent MOT, conducted on January 16, 2026 , confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. The test history since 2023 shows a stable pattern of compliance, though the May 2023 entry reveals an unusual duplication—both a pass and a fail at the same mileage (3,186) on the same date, which suggests either an administrative error or a rare MOT centre oversight. No advisories or recurring faults appear in the last three tests, indicating the tester did not identify any hidden issues requiring attention beyond standard wear items. That said, the 2025 and 2026 tests occurred just over a year apart, which is within the standard 12-month cycle, but the 2024 test was delayed by nearly four months (from May to January), a gap that could imply either a temporary storage period or a lapse in registration. The recorded mileage of 23,735 miles at the latest test reflects an exceptionally low annual average of roughly 2,374 miles per year , far below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. This suggests the car has spent significant periods either parked or used minimally, which can lead to accelerated wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers due to lack of motion. The 2023-2024 gap —where mileage only increased by 405 miles in nearly eight months —further supports this, as such stagnation can exacerbate issues like binding brake calipers or seized suspension joints. Conversely, the sudden jump from 10,198 to 23,735 miles between January 2025 and January 2026 (a 13,537-mile increase in a year) may indicate recent heavier use, potentially stressing components that were previously underutilised. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension integrity , particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, as low-mileage vehicles often develop stiffness or corrosion in these areas due to prolonged immobility. The braking system warrants scrutiny—binding calipers or warped discs are common in cars with fluctuating usage patterns, and the lack of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee their absence. Additionally, exhaust emissions should be checked, as older Mazdas can develop subtle leaks or catalytic converter inefficiencies over time, even without a fail. Finally, underbody corrosion —especially around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe mounts—must be examined, as rust can compromise structural integrity without immediately affecting MOT passability. The absence of advisories does not rule out hidden corrosion, particularly if the car has spent time in wet or salted environments.