2013 Mazda 3 1.6L Diesel · MK63 BWA

This 2013 Mazda 3 passed its most recent MOT in March 2026, but the pass came with two recorded advisories that deserve close attention. The rear suspension is corroded, and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint has slight play. At 117,261 miles over roughly 13 years of ownership, the mileage is typical for the age and suggests average use rather than hard running or long periods of standing still. The most concerning pattern in the MOT history is the front suspension arm ball joint on the nearside. This component has been flagged in three consecutive tests: first as excessively worn and causing a failure in March 2024, then as showing slight play in March 2025, and again with slight play in the most recent test in March 2026. Despite the failure two years ago, the issue has never fully resolved. This points to either incomplete repair or rapid re-wear of the joint, both of which are warning signs. The braking system also shows wear and inconsistency. In March 2024, the parking brake efficiency only just met the legal requirement, suggesting it was on the edge of failure. That same test also noted the rear brake pads were wearing thin in April 2023.