2009 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · HJ09 HWT

The Mazda 3 presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past three annual MOTs, with the most recent test on 24 July 2025 at 75,352 miles showing no defects at all. This consistency suggests the vehicle has been well maintained in critical areas, with no major mechanical failures or structural concerns emerging since 2023. The absence of advisories or failures in the latest test indicates that any prior issues—such as the suspension arm bush wear and tyre damage noted in 2022—have either been rectified or have not progressed into serious faults. For a buyer, this is a positive sign, though it does not preclude the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly given the car’s age and the fact that suspension components can degrade over time even without immediate MOT consequences. The mileage accumulation of roughly 4,432 miles per year is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, averaging just under 3,700 miles annually since 2009. This suggests either infrequent use, long periods of inactivity, or a combination of both. The recorded mileage jumps—from 65,125 miles in 2022 to 75,352 miles in 2025—indicate that the car has not been driven excessively, which typically correlates with reduced wear on consumables like brakes, tyres, and suspension. However, low mileage can also mask deferred maintenance, particularly if the vehicle has sat unused for extended periods, potentially allowing fluids to degrade or rubber components to perish prematurely. The lack of mileage does not inherently signal neglect, but it does mean the car’s true condition may not be fully reflected in wear-and-tear metrics alone. Given the 2022 MOT’s advisory for a worn nearside front suspension arm pin or bush—and the absence of any follow-up mention in subsequent tests—a buyer should prioritise inspecting the front suspension bushings and track rod ends for excessive play or hardening, which could lead to uneven tyre wear or handling issues. The same test also flagged a badly cracked nearside rear tyre, which implies either aggressive cornering or prolonged underinflation; checking all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread separation, or uneven wear is essential. While the brakes were not directly criticised in the MOT history, the car’s age and low mileage mean brake fluid condition and caliper binding should be verified, as moisture ingress can compromise hydraulic performance even without visible wear. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should also be examined, as rust progression can be slow but critical in older vehicles.