2014 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · HJ14 UHO

This 2014 Mazda 2 holds a valid MOT issued on 19 January 2026 at 103,262 miles, but the maintenance picture is mixed. The most recent test was a pass, yet it was preceded by a failure just four days earlier on 15 January 2026 at 103,146 miles. That failure flagged an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and a parking brake lever with excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment. Both items were rectified before the retest passed. The trend is therefore not cleanly stable or worsening. The car has a history of passing, but the 2026 failure shows a lapse in basic upkeep, particularly around chassis and braking components, before the owner addressed the faults. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 12-year-old car, averaging roughly 8,605 miles per year. The record shows a notable jump of 9,635 miles between 6 February 2024 at 84,606 miles and 2 February 2023 at 75,029 miles, which is within a normal range for a year of use. However, the gap between the February 2025 pass at 94,427 miles and the January 2026 tests at 103,146 to 103,262 miles shows a further 8,719 to 8,835 miles covered in under twelve months. There are no alarming mileage gaps or sudden drops. The record is reasonably consistent, with no obvious evidence of clocking, but the recent tests are clustered very close together in January 2026, suggesting the car was being actively repaired to achieve compliance rather than maintained steadily. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and braking system. The 2026 failure for an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint points to wear in a critical load-bearing joint. Even though it was replaced or repaired for the retest, the surrounding components, including the nearside front suspension arm, track rod ends, and coil springs, deserve a thorough check for play, perishing bushes, and uneven tyre wear. The offside front inner tyre was noted as worn close to legal limit and worn on edge in both the failed and passed tests of January 2026. That suggests possible alignment issues, worn suspension geometry, or a binding front brake caliper. Inspect the offside front brake disc and caliper for uneven wear, sticking slides, and pad thickness. The parking brake lever excessive movement failure also warrants inspection of the rear brake adjusters, cables, and handbrake mechanism to confirm correct operation and free movement. Beyond the immediate faults, check the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, sills, and the subframe, as the car is now over twelve years old. The 2024 advisories for incorrect wiper blades are minor but hint at a pattern of small oversights. Look at the condition of all tyres, including the spare if fitted, and verify that the tracking and four-wheel alignment are within specification given the recurring inner edge wear on the offside front. A short road test under braking and over uneven surfaces will reveal any remaining knocks or pulling that could indicate unresolved wear in the steering or suspension.