2017 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · MJ67 YRT

The most recent MOT carried out on 20 April 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding six‑year history the car has shown a generally stable maintenance pattern; an isolated failure for an excessively twisted off‑side front brake hose in May 2024 appears to have been remedied, and the only recurring advisory has been for thin front and rear brake pads noted in May 2025. The absence of further defects in the 2026 test suggests that any remedial work performed after the 2024 failure has been effective and that the vehicle’s condition is not deteriorating at the moment. At 97 087 miles recorded for a 2017 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 10 800 mi per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage envelope for a nine‑year‑old family hatchback. There are no obvious gaps or periods of unusually low mileage that would imply prolonged storage, nor is there evidence of excessive mileage that would accelerate wear on major components. Consequently the wear on consumables such as brake pads, tyres and suspension bushings should be proportionate to age rather than being driven by extreme mileage. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. Although the brake pads were flagged as thin in the 2025 advisory, they were not recorded as a failure, so they may have been replaced or may still be approaching the end of their service life. During a test drive feel for any pedal pulsation, sponginess or a gradual increase in stopping distance, and listen for squeal or grinding that would indicate pad wear or rotor surface damage. Inspect the front brake hose for signs of external corrosion, cracking or excessive twisting, and check for any fluid leakage around the calipers and master cylinder. It would be prudent to have the pads and discs measured and, if the pads are indeed near the minimum thickness, to budget for replacement along with a visual inspection of the brake discs for scoring or rust that could affect braking efficiency. Given the vehicle’s age, time‑related degradation should also be examined. Tyre sidewalls should be checked for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening even if tread depth appears adequate; tyres older than six years are generally considered at the end of their useful life regardless of mileage. Examine the under‑carriage for rust, especially on the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and exhaust system, as prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion. Test the 12 V battery voltage and verify that it holds charge, as batteries over nine years often require replacement. Finally, confirm that the coolant, engine oil and, where applicable, transmission fluid have been serviced in line with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, and that the service book shows regular oil changes and any required timing‑chain or timing‑belt service for the specific engine variant. These checks will give a clear picture of the car’s mechanical health and any imminent maintenance that may be required.