2011 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · LC60 OTE

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy, though the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent MOT test in February 2026 at 78,349 miles passed despite a nearside rear tyre reaching the legal limit and showing uneven wear. While the car has passed its annual tests, the recurring advisories regarding tyres and brakes suggest that components are only addressed once they approach failure or trigger an advisory. At 15 years old, the Mazda 2 has covered a relatively low distance over its life cycle, averaging approximately 5,200 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear. The data shows a significant gap in mileage between August 2023 and February 2024, where only 615 miles were recorded over six months. The 2023 advisory for ten-year-old perished tyres is a classic symptom of low mileage vehicles where tyres dry out due to age despite sufficient tread depth. A buyer must scrutinise the steering system, as the 2024 test flagged play in both steering rack inner joints, and the 2022 record noted a knocking noise from the electric steering column. These issues indicate wear in the steering assembly that could affect handling precision. Furthermore, the front brake discs have shown consistent signs of heavy pitting and scoring across 2022 and 2023, suggesting the vehicle likely sits for long periods, allowing corrosion to build on the metal surfaces. A physical inspection of the suspension bushes and underbody is essential to ensure that the uneven wear noted on the recent tyres is not caused by an alignment issue or worn control arms.