2014 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · LR14 REU

The vehicle’s most recent MOT, conducted on 30 April 2026 at 62,663 miles, confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. While the test history shows a generally stable pattern—with only minor, non-structural issues—there are notable inconsistencies. The 2025 test at 45,521 miles flagged perishing rear tyres, a fault that should have prompted immediate replacement rather than a subsequent pass. This suggests either a rushed inspection or a previous owner deferring essential maintenance. The 2024 test cycle is particularly telling: a failed wiper replacement (2024-02-08) was followed by a pass the same day, implying the defect was addressed between tests. No further wiper issues appear since, but the timing raises questions about whether other minor faults were overlooked. Overall, the vehicle has not shown a worsening trend in major systems, but the sporadic nature of some repairs warrants closer scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 62,663 miles over approximately 12 years—roughly 5,200 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 test at 42,342 miles and the 2024 failures at 43,300 miles indicates minimal mileage accumulation over a year, which could correlate with storage-related risks. Tyres, suspension components, and brake systems may have degraded more slowly due to low usage, but this also means fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering) could have been less frequently refreshed. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records means critical intervals—such as suspension bush wear or corrosion checks—cannot be verified. Buyers should treat this as a potential red flag for deferred maintenance rather than a sign of exceptional care. The most pressing areas for an in-person inspection stem from the recurring and unresolved faults. The 2025 rear tyre perishing (a 5.2.3 advisory) should have been addressed before the 2026 test, as tyres below 1.6mm tread are a fail. Check for uneven wear or damage on all tyres, particularly the rear, and verify the current tread depth. The 2024 wiper failure suggests potential fluid leaks or motor failure; inspect the wiper mechanism and reservoir for corrosion or blockages. Beyond these, the absence of brake, suspension, or exhaust advisories in recent tests is reassuring, but buyers should still examine rear brake binding (a common deferred issue), coil spring integrity, and subframe corrosion—especially if the vehicle has spent time off-road or in damp conditions. The offside mirror damage from 2023, while minor, indicates potential neglect of bodywork; rust around wheel arches and sills should be thoroughly checked. No advisories on emissions or structural integrity appear, but the low mileage pattern means hidden corrosion or fluid degradation could still pose risks.