2020 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · PL20 EOR

A pattern of premature and uneven front tyre wear, combined with recurring rear brake disc corrosion advisories, defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2020 Mazda 3. The most recent test on 26 August 2026 recorded no defects, but the broader history is less reassuring: in March 2024 the nearside front tyre was noted as very thin and bald on the outer edge, and just a few months later in August 2025 both front outer tyres were again flagged as worn close to the legal limit on their edges. This recurring edge wear over consecutive tests suggests a persistent geometry or suspension issue rather than isolated tyre ageing. The single failure in March 2024 was caused by an ineffective offside windscreen wiper, which is a relatively minor functional defect, but the advisory recorded alongside it noted items removed from the driver's view prior to test, which a buyer may wish to clarify. The rear brake disc corrosion has been flagged in three consecutive tests from 2023 onwards, indicating an ongoing surface deterioration issue that has not yet been deemed serious enough to fail but warrants close inspection. With 52,251 miles recorded over a six-year lifespan, this Mazda 3 accumulates roughly 8,700 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests regular use rather than long periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the testing history or sudden unexplained jumps in mileage between recorded tests, indicating a consistent usage pattern. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage means that wear items such as brake pads, brake discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have seen steady working life, and the recorded advisories align with what would be expected at this mileage for the affected components. The absence of mileage-related advisories on suspension components, steering, or exhaust systems suggests these areas have not yet presented concerns at test time. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing area to investigate is the recurring front tyre edge wear. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or top mounts contributing to the geometry issue. Check for uneven steering return or any pull to one side under braking, and inspect the inner and outer edges of all four tyres for feathering or stepped wear patterns, as the recorded advisories specifically reference edge deterioration rather than general tread loss. Ask for evidence of a recent four-wheel alignment, as geometry correction may address the underlying cause if it has been carried out, but be aware that persistent edge wear despite replacement tyres points to a deeper suspension or component issue. The rear brake disc corrosion advisories spanning three consecutive tests indicate a progressive surface issue. On a test drive, listen for any brake squeal or grinding from the rear axle, particularly in damp weather when corrosion is most pronounced, and feel for any vibration or judder through the brake pedal under firm application. Inspect the rear discs visually for a pronounced lip on the edge, deep pitting, or scoring, as the MOT notes specifically reference pitted and scored surfaces. Given the mileage, it is also prudent to check the front brake pads and discs for wear, as these have not been flagged but would be subject to more aggressive wear than the rears. Finally, confirm the operation of both front windscreen wipers across the full swept area, as the 2024 failure was specifically due to ineffective clearing, and ensure no aftermarket devices obstruct the driver's forward view.