2010 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · LM60 PCV

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2010 Mazda 3 was conducted on 16 October 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. The preceding test on the same date in 2024 also passed cleanly, while a further test one day earlier on 16 October 2024 recorded a failure with no defects noted, which is unusual and may suggest a late-presented vehicle, an aborted or retest situation, or a technicality such as tyre or emissions reading issues rather than a serious mechanical concern. A similar pattern is visible in the October 2023 entry, where an initial failure was followed immediately by a pass the same day. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable, with the vehicle consistently meeting MOT standards at its annual tests, suggesting that it has been kept in a roadworthy condition with no recurring structural or safety issues flagged by the examiner. With a recorded mileage of 85,442 miles over approximately 16 years, this Mazda 3 is averaging around 5,340 miles per year, which is notably low for a car of its age and indicates either light regular use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Low annual mileage of this nature generally means less wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch, but it carries its own set of risks. Vehicles that spend long periods stationary are prone to brake disc corrosion, binding or seized calipers, deterioration of rubber and polymer components, and potential moisture accumulation in fluids and the fuel system. The mileage gaps between MOT tests should also be considered; if the annual figure is genuinely below 5,000 miles, there may have been periods of inactivity that justify extra attention to underbody corrosion and mechanical seizure points during any pre-purchase inspection. Given the clean MOT record and the age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should focus on time-related degradation rather than wear-related concerns. Tyres on a 2010 car are often replaced as a matter of course, but it is worth inspecting the sidewalls carefully for perishing and cracking from age, even if the tread depth appears adequate, and confirming that the rubber date codes are within a sensible service life. The 12-volt battery is likely due for replacement purely on calendar age, and its state of charge and terminal condition should be checked, as a weak battery can mask electrical faults and cause starting irregularities. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion and any signs of seizing, particularly after periods of standing, and the brake fluid should be considered for renewal irrespective of any advisory, as hygroscopic absorption over sixteen years will have significantly reduced its boiling point and effectiveness. Other age-appropriate inspections should include a thorough examination of the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, which is a known vulnerability on early Mazda 3 models, especially around rear wheel arches, suspension mounting points, and exhaust hangers. Coolant, power steering, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should all be regarded as due for replacement based on time rather than mileage, and a service history review should confirm whether these have been attended to. During a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, drop links, or top mounts, and pay attention to any brake shudder, pulling, or uneven pedal feel that might suggest corroded discs or binding calipers. Finally, verify the service book stamps and ensure the timing chain or belt replacement interval has been observed according to Mazda's schedule, as neglect of this on a high-mileage petrol engine of this era can lead to catastrophic failure.