2018 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · MM67 HLO

The vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record in its MOT tests, with the most recent test on 2024-12-16 at 42,734 miles showing only a defective offside front windscreen wiper blade. This continues a trend of minor advisory-level issues, with previous tests in 2023 and 2022 also resulting in passes and limited defects—primarily related to wiper blades and a rear reflector. The absence of serious or dangerous faults since at least 2021, including no structural corrosion or critical mechanical failures, indicates stable roadworthiness and suggests responsible upkeep between inspections. The car is eight years old as of 2026 and has accumulated 42,734 miles, averaging approximately 5,342 miles per year. This is low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age, particularly given that it covered just 1,228 miles in the 17 months between May 2023 and December 2024. The slow accumulation may indicate light use or extended periods of inactivity, which can lead to issues such as stiffened suspension bushes, binding brake calipers, or degraded rubber seals. However, the clean test results during this period suggest no immediate deterioration has been detected by official inspection. Recurring defects involving windscreen wiper blades point to a pattern of consumable wear rather than systemic failure, but they do imply that routine cosmetic and minor maintenance may not be prioritised by the previous keeper. The 2021 note about a modified anti-roll bar linkage—marked as not seriously weakened—warrants attention; although no further issues have been reported since, a buyer should verify the current condition of all front suspension components, including drop links, bushes, and coil springs. Given the low mileage and age, a thorough inspection of brake discs and pads is advisable, even if not flagged recently, as intermittent use can lead to surface corrosion. Check for any signs of dampness or musty odours, which could stem from prolonged static storage.