2009 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · LT09 HFR

Chronic wear across the suspension system, particularly regarding bushings and anti-roll bar linkages, characterizes the mechanical history of this vehicle. While the test on 11 March 2026 resulted in a pass, it continued a multi-year trend of suspension advisories, including play in both rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and wear in the offside front lower suspension arm. The record shows a pattern of suspension components deteriorating over time, with failures and advisories appearing consistently since 2022. The recorded mileage of 103,936 miles is typical for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,114 miles per year. This consistent usage pattern suggests a steady rate of wear on drivetrain and chassis components rather than the degradation associated with prolonged periods of inactivity or the accelerated wear found in high-mileage examples. Attention must be paid to the suspension system, as the records show a persistent pattern of worn lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkages. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed cornering, which often indicates failing ball joints or perished bushings. The repeated flagging of the offside front suspension arm across multiple years suggests a component that has been worn for a significant period. The braking system warrants a specific check due to a recorded advisory for a binding offside rear service brake in early 2024. A prospective buyer should feel for any unusual vehicle pull under braking or check for excessive heat emanating from the rear offside wheel after a drive. Additionally, the history of dangerous tyre failures and inner edge wear recorded in 2021 suggests a potential misalignment or suspension geometry issue that should be verified to ensure tyres are not wearing prematurely.