2008 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · KY58 XVH

Corrosion within the rear suspension has been a recurring theme across the MOT history of this 2008 Mazda 2, with advisories relating to both rear coil springs and a nearside rear suspension component mounting on the outer sill logged in three of the last four tests. The most recent examination on 5 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but the same trio of advisories was carried forward again, suggesting these structural wear points are progressing rather than resolving between visits. The 2025 test proved more problematic, with the vehicle failing initially on 10 February 2025 due to a defective windscreen wiper blade, an inoperative nearside rear stop lamp, and non-functioning front position lamps on both sides. A pass was secured on the same date following rectification, though the underlying advisories on the front tyre and rear coil springs persisted. The pattern points to a chassis that is steadily succumbing to surface and structural corrosion typical of an 18 year old vehicle operating in UK conditions, alongside repeat concerns with tyre condition and exterior lighting. At 125,644 miles recorded against an age of approximately 18 years, this Mazda 2 has covered an average of around 6,980 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a small hatchback of this vintage. The MOT history is contiguous on an annual basis with no extended periods off the road, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up. Annual mileages at this level are not particularly taxing on the engine and gearbox, but they are sufficient to wear suspension components, brake friction material, and tyres progressively. The consistent pattern of advisories rather than any singular major mechanical failure suggests the wear is cumulative and distributed across consumables and chassis components rather than indicative of a single neglected area. For a prospective buyer, the rear coil spring corrosion flagged on multiple occasions warrants close physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, as corroded coils are prone to fracturing and the broken ends can contact the body or other components. The nearside rear outer sill area identified as corroded should be examined closely, both visually and by hand if possible, to gauge how deep the corrosion runs and whether it is likely to progress beyond the advisory threshold at the next test. It is also worth probing the rear axle mounting areas, trailing arm bushes, and any visible brake pipes in the vicinity, as corrosion on one structural component frequently extends to adjacent metalwork. The front offside tyre edge wear noted in both 2025 and 2026 suggests a tracking or suspension geometry issue at the front axle, so the buyer should check for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear on the current set and confirm the tracking has been recently adjusted. Both front position lamp failures recorded in 2025 indicate the front light clusters and their wiring should be inspected for corrosion in the bulb holders and connector blocks, a common failure point on older vehicles. The 2026 failure for an inoperative windscreen washer is trivial to verify and should be tested before purchase. Finally, given the recurring lighting and wiper defects alongside the suspension advisories, a thorough walk-around checking every exterior lamp, the wiper function, and a slow drive over uneven surfaces to expose any rear suspension noise would form the core of any test drive.