2016 Mazda 3 1.5L Petrol · HJ16 FSY

The 2016 Mazda 3 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT conducted on 2 April 2026 at 9,477 miles recording a clean pass with zero defects. This marks a clear improvement over the 2022 test, where the tester flagged a perished or cracked offside rear tyre. The subsequent three tests, spanning March 2023 through April 2026, show no recurring advisories or failures, indicating the previous tyre defect was addressed and no further faults have developed since. The mileage profile is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Over roughly ten years, the odometer has advanced just 9,477 miles, averaging approximately 948 miles per year. The annual increments between tests are consistent, ranging from around 468 miles between March 2022 and March 2023, to approximately 793 miles between March 2024 and March 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the record. Such low annual use suggests the car has spent extended periods stationary, which carries its own mechanical considerations despite the favourable mileage figure. A buyer should pay close attention to components that deteriorate with age and infrequent use rather than mileage. Tyres, while currently passing, deserve a thorough visual inspection for sidewall cracking and date stamps, as rubber perishes over time regardless of tread depth. Brake discs and calipers should be checked for surface corrosion and binding, a common issue on vehicles that sit unused for long periods. Suspension bushes and shock absorbers should be examined for perishing, and the underside inspected for any onset of structural corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and subframes. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but it does not substitute for a physical pre-purchase inspection. A compression test and assessment of the exhaust system for corrosion would be prudent given the vehicle's age. The low mileage is a genuine advantage, provided the car has not suffered from prolonged standing, which can cause fuel system issues, seized brake components, and degraded seals. Overall, the data suggests a well-maintained example with no recurring mechanical faults, but the age and usage pattern warrant a careful in-person examination before purchase.