2009 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · M77 LAS

A fractured rear coil spring recorded as a Major failure in September 2023 stands as the only significant mechanical issue in this Mazda 2's DVSA history, with the vehicle passing its subsequent tests on 2025-10-08 and 2026-07-23 without any defects noted. Prior to that failure, the car had racked up a sequence of clean passes stretching back to 2020, and the immediate post-failure tests in 2023 also returned clean results, indicating that the spring was replaced and the repair was effective. The two advisories recorded at the 2024-10-19 test, covering fluctuating front brake performance and corroded fuel pipework, did not escalate into failures at the following examination, though they mark areas worth monitoring as it ages further. Overall, the testing trend points to a largely well-behaved MOT record with one isolated structural suspension event rather than any chronic deterioration. At 67,005 miles across seventeen years, this Mazda 2 averages roughly 3,941 miles annually, which sits at the lower end of usage for a vehicle of this vintage. The MOT record shows annual testing from 2020 onwards, consistent with continuous road use, though the relatively modest accumulation suggests a mix of shorter journeys and potentially some periods of lighter activity. Lower-mileage cars of this age tend to suffer more from standing-induced corrosion on underbody components, brake caliper seizure, and degradation of rubber and polymer items such as bushes, gaiters, and fuel lines, while higher-stress wear items like clutches and major drivetrain internals are likely to have seen less demand. The fuel pipe corrosion advisory noted in 2024 would fit this pattern, as surface oxidisation on exposed metal lines often advances more noticeably on cars that spend time parked or used predominantly for short trips where the underbody dries slowly. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension area deserves close physical attention on inspection, as a fractured coil spring on a 2009 Mazda 2 is not entirely uncommon given typical OEM spring fatigue. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, particularly from the rear axle, and feel for any change in ride quality that suggests uneven spring rates. With a rear-wheel-steer torsion beam arrangement, also check that the vehicle sits level at the rear and that there is no noticeable sagging on one corner when parked on flat ground. Pay particular attention to the condition of the fuel lines flagged in the 2024 advisory, as corroded pipe sections on older Mazdas of this era commonly appear along the underfloor routing and at connector unions; any damp fuel odour, visible seepage, or flaking metal should prompt a closer examination by a technician. The fluctuating front brake performance advisory warrants a focused brake check during a road test and ideally a visual inspection of the discs and pads through the wheels. Symptoms to listen and feel for include vibration or judder through the brake pedal under firm application, uneven stopping force pulling the car to one side, and any grinding or scraping noises that have developed since the test. A fluctuating reading on the brake tester can stem from worn pads, corroded or unevenly worn discs, a binding or sticking caliper, or a fatigued flexible brake hose, all of which are typical wear items on a car of this age. It would also be sensible to inspect the underbody generally for any fresh corrosion around suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs, as the recorded advisory on the fuel line suggests the general level of underfloor oxidisation is starting to become a relevant factor as this Mazda 2 enters its late-teens.