1996 Mazda 626 2.0L Petrol · N79 CKR

The most recent MOT test for this 1996 Mazda 626 was conducted on 2022-11-26, resulting in a passing outcome with two advisories: the near-side and offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints exhibit slight play, which is a common issue in high-mileage vehicles and typically indicates early wear in the suspension’s lateral control components. This trend reflects a pattern of recurring suspension-related failures, particularly in the anti-roll bar linkages and rear suspension bushes, as evidenced by the 2020 MOT where multiple major defects were recorded—offside rear anti-roll bar ball joint and pin/bush wear being particularly severe. While earlier MOTs from 2019 to 2021 show no defects, the 2020 failure suggests a deterioration phase that may have stabilised somewhat by 2022, but the advisories imply ongoing wear progression that requires vigilance. The front brake hose deterioration from 2018 also highlights a recurring issue, though it did not fail in 2022, suggesting it may have been addressed or is nearing replacement. The recorded mileage of 161,513 miles for a vehicle aged 30 years represents an annual usage rate of approximately 5,384 miles, which is notably low for its age. Such low mileage can result from prolonged periods of inactivity, leading to potential issues like standing corrosion in the undercarriage, brake system binding from moisture absorption, or fluid degradation due to stagnation. However, the absence of higher mileage accumulation over the last decade suggests that the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy or aggressive use, which could mitigate some wear but may also mean that consumables like fluids and seals have not been cycled frequently enough to prevent gradual deterioration. The 2020 failure, coupled with the low mileage, raises questions about whether the vehicle has been maintained during periods of inactivity, as suspension components like anti-roll bars and bushes are particularly susceptible to wear when not in use. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the suspension system, given the recurring anti-roll bar linkage and pin/bush issues. Visually check for signs of excessive play or binding in the rear suspension when the vehicle is jacked up, focusing on the ball joints and bushings—listen for clunking noises during cornering or when the vehicle is driven over bumps, as this often indicates worn or failing suspension components. The slight play in the ball joints from the 2022 MOT suggests that further wear is likely, and replacement may be necessary soon, potentially costing several hundred pounds. During a test drive, monitor the handling for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate misalignment or suspension imbalance caused by worn components. Additionally, inspect the front brake hoses for cracks or bulges, as the 2018 advisory suggests they may be nearing failure, which could lead to brake fluid leaks or reduced braking performance. Beyond the suspension and brakes, given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the undercarriage for signs of corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, exhaust system, and underbody, where moisture can accumulate. Check the brake discs and linings for corrosion, binding, or uneven wear, as standing can cause calipers to seize, leading to binding during braking. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of age-related failure, such as corrosion on terminals or a weak cranking amps reading, as older batteries may struggle under low-demand conditions. Fluid levels should be checked—particularly the brake fluid, which can degrade over time even without use—and replaced if necessary, as per manufacturer recommendations for calendar-based servicing. Finally, verify that the service book has been updated, especially for fluid changes and filter replacements, as the lack of recent high-mileage servicing may have left critical components like the oil filter or coolant system in a suboptimal state.