2011 Mazda 3 2.3L Petrol · LC60 OTD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a clean MOT pass in August 2025. However, the maintenance history reveals a reactive pattern of repair rather than proactive upkeep. The failure on August 14, 2025, highlighted multiple critical safety and equipment-related defects, including lighting failures, an insecure exhaust, and a worn ball joint. While these issues were rectified within twenty-four hours to secure a pass, the frequency of failures suggests the owner only addresses faults when compelled by the tester rather than performing routine preventative maintenance. At 15 years old, the recorded mileage of 82,642 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per year. This usage often results in less mechanical wear on the drivetrain but frequently leads to the degradation of rubber-based components. The gap between the August 2024 test at 78,496 miles and the August 2025 test at 82,642 miles shows consistent low-intensity use, though long periods of standing may explain the perished tyres noted in the 2023 failures. A buyer should inspect the suspension geometry closely, as the offside front suspension arm ball joint was already flagged as excessively worn in 2025. The history of thin brake pads and illegal tyre tread in 2023 indicates that basic consumable items are neglected until they fail. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, a thorough physical inspection for structural corrosion on the sills and rear mounting points is essential, as low-mileage cars often suffer from rust that is not masked by mechanical wear.