2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · PF16 SJO

Recorded across seven MOT tests between 2021 and 2026, this Mazda 3 presents a roadworthiness picture defined by two failures rather than an unblemished pass history. Both failures were for components exposed to significant mechanical stress or environmental wear: an offside rear coil spring fracture in April 2023 and, more recently on 19 March 2026, a wiper blade that failed to clear the screen effectively along with a perished offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover. The vehicle passed a re-test the following day with no defects recorded, suggesting both items were addressed promptly, but the recurrence of suspension-related wear across the record points to the beginnings of chassis component fatigue. Advisory entries have also appeared, including a rear brake pad wear note in March 2025 and a nearside front tyre worn on edge in March 2024, which together indicate that consumable items are now being flagged more regularly than during the clean 2021 and 2022 tests. The overall trend is therefore one of a vehicle that remained tidy through its earlier years but is now entering a phase where suspension, braking, and tyre components require closer scrutiny at each annual test. With 81,049 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the average annual accumulation of around 8,100 miles is broadly consistent with regular commuter or mixed-use driving. There are no significant gaps in the testing history and no evidence of extended periods off the road, which removes the particular concerns that long lay-ups introduce, such as seized brake calipers, deteriorated coolant, or perished rubber. Mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate to the intervals, supporting a picture of consistent rather than erratic use. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the recorded usage is not particularly arduous, but the components flagged in recent advisories and failures reflect the natural wear pattern expected as a chassis reaches the second half of its first decade on the road. A prospective buyer should focus particular attention on the suspension system, as both the 2023 coil spring fracture and the 2026 anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failure relate to this area. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front offside corner over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar linkages or drop link bushes that were not flagged but commonly deteriorate alongside ball joints. Inspect the offside rear wheel arch and underbody for any signs of corrosion, as fractured coil springs are frequently associated with weakened spring seats, and visually check that replacement springs were matched correctly. Steering response should be precise without vagueness around the straight-ahead position, and any knocking when traversing rougher tarmac warrants further investigation of the front suspension geometry. The braking system and tyres also deserve direct evaluation given the recent advisories. The rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin in March 2025, so the discs and pads should be physically inspected for remaining material, paying particular attention to any scoring, lipping on the disc edges, or uneven pad wear that may suggest a partially binding rear caliper. Test the brakes firmly from around 30 mph; any vibration through the pedal or steering wheel would suggest disc warping, while a pulling sensation to one side would point to a caliper issue. The nearside front tyre was previously flagged as edge-worn, which is typically a symptom of incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension bushes allowing excessive camber, so a four-wheel alignment check is advisable and any uneven inner-edge wear on the current tyres should be viewed as a red flag. The recent wiper failure is a simple service item, but it is worth confirming that the wiper linkage mechanism is intact and that the screen has not developed pitting or chips in the wiper sweep area that would cause premature blade wear.