2017 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · LL67 VOD

A clear pattern of fractured rear coil springs defines the mechanical history of this Mazda 3, with major failures recorded on both rear corners across consecutive test cycles. The offside rear coil spring fractured at the November 2023 test, and a near-identical failure occurred on the nearside rear at the most recent inspection on 17 November 2025, where the vehicle also recorded a pass with no advisories on the same day. Bilateral rear coil spring failures of this nature, occurring twice in roughly two years on a vehicle of this age and mileage, are a significant structural and safety concern that warrants close mechanical scrutiny before purchase. The recorded mileage of 38,778 miles against a nine-year registration translates to an annual accumulation of around 4,300 miles, which is well below average for a car of this vintage. The MOT testing cycle shows consistent annual submissions from 2023 onwards, confirming the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods. Low annual mileage typically reduces wear on high-stress drivetrain and braking components, but it can accelerate degradation of rubber-mounted items such as bushes and dampers due to prolonged static loading and infrequent thermal cycling. The lack of advisories on the passing tests also suggests the braking system, steering components, and underbody structure have not yet attracted attention from testers. Given the repeated rear coil spring failures, a prospective buyer should arrange a thorough inspection of the suspension system with particular focus on the remaining original springs and the rear damper assemblies. Fractured coil springs often produce audible clonking or metallic rattles over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when reversing out of a kerb, and visible sagging on one rear corner compared to the other can also indicate a weakened or broken spring still in place. The rear shock absorber mounts, bump stops, and spring seats should be checked for damage caused by the fractured spring contacting surrounding metalwork, as a broken coil can score or weaken adjacent components. It is also worth pressing firmly down on each rear wing and releasing to feel for excessive bouncing, which may point to weakened dampers that have absorbed the additional shock load from the failed springs. The braking system, although free of advisories, should be road-tested for any pulling to the left or right under heavy braking, as binding calipers or uneven pad wear can develop on low-mileage vehicles where corrosion builds up on seated components. Steering should be checked for vagueness or knocking through the front suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, and the tyres should be examined for uneven inner or outer wear that could indicate alignment issues stemming from compromised rear suspension geometry. Finally, a borescope inspection of the rear spring pans and a check for any warning lights on the dashboard will help confirm whether the vehicle is mechanically sound or whether further intervention on the rear suspension is imminent.