2005 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · LC05 CWK

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing issues after several years of clean records. The most recent test in February 2026 at 72,792 miles flagged several first-time defects related to braking hardware and structural condition. While the car passed without defects between 2015 and 2023, the appearance of pitted brake discs and underside corrosion indicates the vehicle is beginning to show the effects of age despite the low annual mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,466 miles per year. This low usage is consistent across the record, for example, the car covered only 1,227 miles between the May 2021 and February 2022 tests. However, such long periods of low-use often lead to the degradation of rubber components and surface oxidation. This is is evidenced by the February 2024 failure where worn suspension arm bushes and damaged tyres were identified after just one mile of travel since the previous test. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody to assess the extent of the corrosion noted in the 2026 test. The report of pitted and scored brake discs on both axles suggests the vehicle may have sat for extended periods or suffered from moisture. Attention should be paid to the front suspension; given that the arm bushes failed in 2024, the buyer should check for any remaining play or uneven wear during a test drive to ensure repairs were effective and that other components are not failing prematurely.