2004 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · KG04 TNF

The 2004 Mazda 3 presents a stable and consistent maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 2026-02-20 recording a clean pass at 94,579 miles and no defects noted. The vehicle has demonstrated reliable roadworthiness across successive tests, with the two recorded failures in 2025 and 2026 both resolved within days. This pattern suggests minor, promptly addressed issues rather than systemic mechanical neglect. The maintenance trajectory is stable, showing no escalation in defect severity or frequency over the observed period. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 4,299 miles per year across its 22-year lifespan. Recent usage has been consistent, with the car covering roughly 3,800 miles between April 2024 and April 2025, and a further 3,100 miles by February 2026. There are no significant gaps or sudden surges in the odometer readings, indicating regular rather than sporadic use. The sparse but clean MOT record offers a limited window, though the data points align with a vehicle driven modestly and maintained to a standard sufficient for repeated test passes. Despite the absence of recorded defects, a buyer should physically inspect components prone to age-related deterioration on a 22-year-old vehicle. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorber mountings merit close examination, as rubber and hydraulic components degrade with time regardless of mileage. Brake discs, calipers, and flexible hoses should be checked for corrosion and binding, particularly given the car's low annual use, which can accelerate surface rust formation on braking components. Structural corrosion around sills, subframes, and suspension mounting points warrants thorough scrutiny, as does the exhaust system for deterioration. The tyre manufacture dates should be verified, as rubber compounds age and crack even with adequate tread depth. The two same-day or near-same-day failures in 2025 and 2026, while resolved, suggest minor faults were identified and corrected promptly, but the specific nature of those defects is not detailed in the record.