2008 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · HX08 FVD

The 2026‑05‑15 MOT passed, yet the vehicle’s roadworthiness remains questionable because the same suspension and corrosion faults recur across multiple tests, indicating a stagnant rather than improving maintenance trend. Mileage has risen steadily from 79,991 miles in July 2020 to 115,356 miles by May 2026, averaging roughly 6,400 miles per year; the sharpest jump occurred between the 2021 and 2022 tests, while the most recent increase from 2025 to 2026 was modest, suggesting reduced usage in recent years. A buyer should focus on the recurring suspension issues – the offside and nearside front ball joints, suspension arm bushes, and mounting area corrosion – as well as the light oil misting on the front shock absorbers, worn and pitted brake discs, tyre tread approaching the legal limit, and structural rust on the subframe and rear exhaust mounting. Further inspection must verify that previous advisories concerning the windscreen washer, lamps and underseal have been addressed, and that the corroded suspension mounting points and structural components are not compromised, since these items have repeatedly appeared as defects without evidence of repair.