2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · LO66 RVR

A pattern of tyre degradation and rubber perishing has emerged as the primary mechanical concern for this vehicle, despite a clean result in the latest test on 02 February 2026. While the most recent inspection recorded no defects, the preceding two years show a recurring trend of advisories regarding damaged, cracking, or perishing tyres across all four corners of the vehicle. This trend of rubber deterioration, which included multiple advisories in 2024 and a specific advisory for a perished nearside front tyre in 2025, suggests that the rubber components are susceptible to age-related degradation rather than tread wear. The recorded mileage of 24,265 miles against a 2016 registration indicates an unusually low annual usage rate of approximately 2,426 miles per year. Such low mileage over a ten-year period often correlates with the tyre perishing issues noted in the MOT history, as vehicles that spend extended periods stationary are more prone to sidewall cracking and ozone degradation. Mechanically, while the drivetrain and engine components may have low cumulative wear, the low frequency of use can lead to the degradation of rubber-based components, such as seals, bushes, and tyres, which may require closer scrutiny than a higher-mileage vehicle that is driven more regularly. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the condition of all four tyres, looking beyond mere tread depth to check for any signs of sidewall cracking or perishing that may have been addressed since the 2025 advisory. Additionally, the history shows a major failure in February 2023 due to a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber. During a test drive, it is essential to monitor the vehicle's handling over uneven surfaces and listen for any rhythmic knocking or thudding from the rear suspension, which could indicate that the shock absorber or its mounting components have not been adequately inspected or have developed new leaks. Further inspection should include verifying the functionality of the windscreen washer system, which was a recorded failure in November 2020, to ensure the pump and nozzles are fully operational. While the recent history is improving, the combination of low mileage and the documented history of perished rubber means a physical inspection of all suspension bushes and engine mounts is advisable to ensure they have not hardened or cracked due to inactivity. Any steering pull or uneven tyre wear during the test drive should be treated as a potential sign of underlying suspension geometry issues.