2016 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · LO66 DLF

The most recent MOT on 15 June 2026 resulted in a failure for the driver’s view of the road being significantly obstructed by items removed from the windscreen mirror, together with advisories concerning the off‑side front tyre being worn close to the legal limit on the outer edge and damage to the off‑side rear bumper. Apart from that failure, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual tests since 2021, with only occasional advisories – a front brake disc wear note in 2020 and “under tray fitted” notices in 2022 and 2023 – indicating a generally stable maintenance record that has recently deteriorated due to the visibility obstruction. At ten years old the car has logged 91,569 miles, averaging just over 9,100 miles per year. This is within the normal UK usage envelope and suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to excessive high‑speed or heavy‑load duty. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, so wear on wear‑items such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to the recorded mileage rather than to calendar ageing alone. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the off‑side front tyre, which is reported to be worn to the legal minimum on the outer shoulder. Inspect the tyre for uneven tread depth, sidewall cracking and any bulges; a tyre that is close to the 1.6 mm legal limit should be replaced promptly, especially before winter. Examine the rear bumper for structural integrity and ensure any damage has been properly repaired, as compromised rear impact protection can affect crash safety. The obstruction of the driver’s view indicates that items have been placed in the mirror or windscreen area – verify that the windscreen is clean, the mirror is correctly positioned and there are no permanent fittings or debris that could impair visibility. The front brake disc advisory from 2020 suggests the discs may be pitted; check for brake pedal pulsation, a high‑pitched squeal or shudder when applying the brakes, and consider measuring disc thickness or having a professional resurface or replace the discs if they are near the minimum thickness specification. Beyond the specific MOT items, the car’s age warrants a thorough inspection of time‑sensitive components. Examine all tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking even if tread depth appears adequate, as rubber can perish after six years regardless of mileage. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check for any signs of electrolyte leakage or corrosion on terminals; a battery older than four years may be nearing the end of its service life. Look for corrosion on suspension bushes, control arm joints and under‑body panels, especially if the vehicle has spent time standing idle, and verify that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluid degradation can occur even on low‑mileage cars. Finally, confirm that the service book is up‑to‑date with stamps for oil changes, timing belt (if applicable) and any major service work, as a well‑documented service history will give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with Mazda’s specifications.