2018 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · RG10 ERG

Recurring corrosion of the rear coil springs and a pattern of tyre wear define the mechanical history of this vehicle, despite a consistent record of passing its annual inspections. While the test on 12 February 2026 returned no defects, the preceding years show a trend of suspension deterioration, specifically with the offside rear spring flagged in 2023 and both rear springs noted for corrosion in 2025. This indicates a persistent issue with the rear suspension components that has appeared across multiple testing cycles. The recorded mileage of 84,373 miles over approximately eight years represents an average annual accumulation of roughly 10,547 miles. This usage profile is typical for a vehicle of this age, suggesting a steady rate of wear on the drivetrain, engine internals, and chassis components. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, meaning the vehicle has been subjected to regular annual scrutiny, though the mileage suggests that many primary consumables will be approaching the end of their natural service life. Attention should be directed toward the rear suspension and steering linkages during a physical inspection. The history of corroded coil springs suggests a risk of structural failure or sagging, which can be identified by checking for an uneven ride height or listening for metallic clunks and knocks when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. Additionally, the 2022 advisory regarding play in the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint warrants verification; any knocking sounds during low-speed cornering or steering inputs may indicate that this component, or others in the front suspension, requires replacement. The frequency of tyre wear advisories, specifically those noting wear on the edges of the front tyres in 2022 and 2025, points to potential issues with wheel alignment or suspension geometry. A close inspection of the current tyre treads is necessary to ensure they are not wearing unevenly. During the test drive, the vehicle should be monitored for any steering pull or instability at motorway speeds, as these symptoms often correlate with the alignment issues that led to the previous tyre advisories.