2018 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · MM67 HLK

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-11-24, but the maintenance trend is worsening. While it passed, the nearside and offside front tyres were worn to within legal limits, with inner edge damage indicating uneven wear or alignment issues. The front sub-frame showed corrosion, though not yet structurally compromised, suggesting a pattern of deferred attention to underbody integrity. The 2023 failure and subsequent pass show that tyre condition was a persistent concern, with multiple tyres showing cracking and wear in consecutive tests, pointing to ongoing neglect or mechanical imbalance. Mileage progression is consistent with the vehicle’s age, averaging around 11,600 miles per year over eight years. The jump from 51,044 miles in 2022 to 78,000 in 2024 and then 93,065 in 2025 reflects steady usage, with no major gaps or suspicious spikes. The 2022 test at 51,044 miles flagged low brake fluid, a minor but recurring indicator of potential leaks or poor maintenance. The 2023 failure occurred at the same mileage as the 2024 pass, suggesting the same underlying issues were not resolved until the 2024 test, when the tyres were still in poor condition but not yet at the legal limit. Buyers should inspect the front suspension bushes and coil springs for wear, as the corroded sub-frame and repeated tyre wear suggest alignment or suspension problems. The front brake discs, while not excessively worn, were flagged in 2023 and 2025, indicating possible binding calipers or uneven pad wear. The corrosion on the front sub-frame should be assessed for structural integrity, especially if the vehicle has been driven in wet or coastal areas. Tyre condition should be verified in person, as the inner edge wear and cracking suggest uneven load distribution or alignment faults that may not be fully corrected by replacement alone. The vehicle’s history reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance, particularly around tyres and underbody corrosion. While it passed its latest test, the recurring tyre issues and structural advisories indicate that the previous owner may have prioritised short-term fixes over comprehensive servicing. A buyer should budget for immediate tyre replacement and a full suspension inspection, and consider a professional assessment of the sub-frame corrosion before purchase. The mileage is reasonable for age, but the mechanical history suggests the car has not been maintained to a high standard.