2010 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · MF10 YSA

The most recent MOT, dated 17 June 2025 at 32,764 miles, shows a pass, but only after a failure on the same day. The maintenance trend is not reassuring. A cluster of four tests within two weeks, including two failures and a re-test, points to a reactive approach rather than proactive upkeep. The tester flagged a defective gearbox mounting across every single test from June 2025, and both rear suspension arm pins or bushes were worn on every occasion. These are not one-off advisories; they are persistent mechanical defects that the owner tolerated for at least several weeks. The offside front headlamp aim was also repeatedly incorrect, suggesting a bulb or unit replacement was done carelessly, without proper alignment. The mileage pattern is unusual and warrants scrutiny. The vehicle covered just 2,447 miles between the June 2024 pass at 30,317 miles and the June 2025 cluster at 32,764 miles. That is consistent with the overall low annual average of roughly 2,048 miles. However, the four tests conducted between 5 June and 17 June 2025 show the odometer moving only from 32,676 to 32,764 miles, a span of 88 miles across multiple garage visits. This suggests the car was being driven minimally, possibly only for short test runs, and may have sat stationary for extended periods. Long-term standing can cause tyre perishing, seized components, and localised corrosion, which aligns with the recurring tyre and suspension advisories. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear axle area, where corrosion was explicitly noted alongside worn suspension bushes. Check the subframe, axle mounting points, and brake lines for structural rust, not just surface scaling. The gearbox mounting has been flagged repeatedly; examine the mount for splits, oil contamination, and play in the gearbox itself, as a defective mount can accelerate wear on the gearbox output shaft and CV joints. Both rear suspension arm bushes need close inspection for deterioration beyond the "slightly worn" threshold recorded in earlier tests, since the severity descriptors escalated by the final pass. The headlamp issues, while corrected for the final pass, indicate a history of poor electrical or lamp replacement work. Verify the headlamp aim on a flat surface and inspect the lens units for moisture ingress or cracking. The offside front tyre showed edge wear and cracking across multiple tests, suggesting possible misalignment or prolonged underinflation. A full four-wheel alignment check and close inspection of all four tyres for age-related perishing are advisable before purchase.