2011 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · OU61 XHO

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a pass on January 30 2026 at 75,067 miles. However, the recent history reveals a volatile maintenance trend marked by critical structural failure. In December 2025, the car failed the test due to a major structural defect involving a fractured offside outer integral body structure with a split and holed sill. While the vehicle subsequently passed the January test, the presence of such significant structural compromise indicates advanced corrosion issues that threaten the long-term integrity of the chassis. At 15 years old, the recorded mileage of 75,067 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. This low usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and seals rather than mechanical wear. The data shows a period of active use between January 2024 and December 2024, where the vehicle covered over 6,000 miles in eleven months. The gaps suggest the car may have sat for long periods previously, which likely contributed to the moisture-related corrosion seen in the recent structural failures. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody to verify the structural repairs made after the December 2025 failure. The tester should specifically examine the sill and integral body sections to ensure the welding is structurally sound and not merely a cosmetic patch. Recurring issues with thin rear brake pads noted across 2024, 2025, and 2026 suggest a pattern of neglecting basic consumable maintenance. Additionally, the previous power steering hose seepage identified in early 2024 and the play in the nearside anti-roll bar ball joint from late 2025 require checking for ongoing leaks or further suspension wear.