2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · LE16 DFG

The most recent MOT test on 22 June 2026 resulted in a pass, though an advisory was issued for a worn, pitted, or scored rear brake disc that was not deemed seriously weakened at the time of inspection. The vehicle has demonstrated a broadly stable maintenance trend, having passed each annual test since the previous failure, but the historical record reveals a recurring pattern of brake and tyre related advisories that warrant close attention. In 2024, a fractured offside rear coil spring was recorded as a major failure, an item subsequently rectified to allow a pass at the same location, and in 2022 the vehicle was presented in a dangerous condition with front brake pads measuring less than the statutory 1.5 millimetre minimum thickness. These entries suggest that braking components and suspension parts have been subject to uneven wear, consistent with the relatively low annual mileage placing irregular demands on the undercarriage. With 47,968 miles recorded over an approximate ten year lifespan, the vehicle has averaged around 4,800 miles annually, well below the typical mileage for a car of this age and cohort. The recorded MOT entries show reasonable consistency from 2020 onwards with one MOT per year, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use, albeit at low annual mileages, rather than having undergone long periods of standing. Such usage patterns typically produce less wear on internal combustion components, clutches, and drivetrain parts, but can disproportionately affect items susceptible to corrosion, surface pitting, and material degradation through infrequent loading cycles. The brake disc advisory and recurring brake pad advisories align with this profile, as low mileage usage often results in corrosion on braking surfaces and accelerated wear of pads due to surface glazing rather than frictional wear. For prospective buyers, the rear brake disc identified in the latest advisory should be physically inspected for scoring depth, lip formation at the outer edge, and any signs of warping that may manifest as brake shudder or pedal pulsation under firm application. The historical failure of the offside rear coil spring indicates that the remaining suspension components, particularly the nearside rear coil, front coil springs, and associated struts, should be checked for any signs of sagging, cracking, or weakened damping, listening for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces during a test drive. Brake pads and discs across both axles merit close inspection given the recurring advisories, with attention paid to caliper slide pins for seizing and binding, and a thorough check of the brake hydraulic system for perished flexible hoses, particularly given the age of the car. Uneven tyre wear, previously noted on both front edges in 2020 and 2023, suggests that a wheel alignment check should be considered, as persistent edge wear may indicate geometry settings outside manufacturer specification. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and low mileage profile necessitate several calendar based inspections irrespective of odometer readings. Tyres fitted should be examined for sidewall perishing, cracking, and manufacturing date codes, as rubber compounds degrade with age and a ten year old vehicle may be running on perished tyres regardless of tread depth. The 12 volt battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load tested, while all fluids including engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission oil should be assessed for condition and replacement intervals, as moisture absorption and chemical degradation occur irrespective of mileage. Under bonnet hoses, drive belts, and cooling system components warrant visual inspection for perishing and surface cracking, and the underside of the vehicle, where accessible despite the fitted under trays, should be examined for corrosion, oil leaks, and exhaust integrity, paying particular attention to mounting rubbers and silencer joints which are prone to failure through age rather than mileage accumulation.