2010 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · LR60 EYV

Chronic emissions-related defects and persistent steering and tyre wear advisories define the mechanical profile of this 2010 Mazda 2, which has accumulated four recorded MOT tests since 2020 alongside two failures and a cluster of recurring advisories. The most recent test on 7 November 2024 was a pass, but it continued the pattern of front tyre inner-edge wear on both sides and recorded slight lens clouding on both headlamps. Looking back through the history, two separate failures for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine MIL were recorded in November 2021 and November 2022, with the latter resulting in a partial passivity restriction, alongside a further failure in November 2023 for a loose brake pedal anti-slip provision. A play advisory in the offside steering rack inner joint, first noted in November 2023, has not been re-examined in the most recent test, so its progression remains undocumented. The combination of repeated MIL warning lamp activations, steering component wear, and brake pedal integrity concerns presents a mixed roadworthiness record that requires careful verification rather than assumption. With 111,559 miles recorded over a sixteen-year lifespan, this vehicle averages roughly 6,972 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a car of its age. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2020 onwards with no multi-year gaps, indicating continuous use rather than extended standing periods, which is generally favourable for preventing the deterioration of seals, bushes, and brake components. However, the consistent appearance of front tyre inner-edge wear advisories across multiple consecutive years, even at this moderate mileage, suggests an underlying geometry or suspension issue rather than simple rubber consumption. The recorded mileage progression between tests appears consistent with the annual average, with no evidence of clock anomalies or unusual jumps that would warrant further concern. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough examination of the steering system, as the advisory regarding play in the offside steering rack inner joint has carried over from the 2023 test without a recorded recheck in 2024. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking from the front end when traversing uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to steering precision, checking for vagueness, looseness on centre, or any tendency to wander. The repeated inner-edge tyre wear pattern warrants a four-wheel alignment and suspension geometry check, including inspection of the front strut top mounts, wishbone bushes, and any bent or damaged arms, as uneven wear at low mileage would typically point to a misalignment or worn component rather than normal use. Given the two MIL lamp failures in consecutive years, any test drive should include careful monitoring of the engine management light both at idle and under load, as intermittent faults relating to lambda sensors, ignition coils, or evaporative system leaks can return if not fully resolved. The brake pedal anti-slip failure from November 2023 should also be physically inspected to confirm a secure, non-slip pedal pad, as a loose provision affects driver footing under heavy braking. Finally, examine the headlamp lenses for moisture ingress or advanced UV deterioration that may soon move beyond a minor defect classification, and inspect the windscreen for any spreading damage around the previously noted chips, particularly the area that has been flagged in three consecutive tests.