2009 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · SM59 WYA

The 2009 Mazda 2 presents a mixed maintenance picture. Its most recent MOT, passed on 06 August 2025 at 87,034 miles, flagged corrosion on both the front subframe and rear axle — structural concerns that demand immediate attention. Looking back, the trend is clearly worsening. Between 2021 and 2024, the vehicle accumulated a recurring pattern of corroded brake pipes and fuel pipes, often noted as covered in grease or other material, suggesting contamination was masking deterioration rather than resolving it. The 2024 test also introduced slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, a new mechanical wear point absent from earlier records. While the car has passed every test, the nature of the advisories is shifting from minor consumable issues toward structural and safety-critical corrosion, which is a red flag for a vehicle of this age. At roughly 5,120 miles per year, this Mazda 2 has covered well below the UK average of around 7,500 to 8,000 miles annually. The mileage progression is steady and unremarkable — 68,154 miles in July 2021, 73,048 in August 2022, 77,562 in July 2023, 82,145 in August 2024, and 87,034 in August 2025 — with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps. Low annual mileage can mean less mechanical wear on drivetrain and suspension components, but it also raises the possibility of prolonged standing, which accelerates corrosion on brake lines, fuel pipes, and structural underbody sections. The persistent brake pipe corrosion across four consecutive tests supports this interpretation; short trips and infrequent use promote moisture accumulation inside lines and on exposed metal surfaces. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection, focusing on the front subframe and rear axle corrosion flagged in the 2025 test. Surface rust on a subframe can be manageable, but advanced pitting or flaking compromises structural integrity and may require costly welding or replacement. The rear axle mounting points and trailing arm bushes should be checked for the same deterioration. The corroded brake pipes — noted repeatedly from 2022 through 2024 — should be examined to confirm whether they were replaced before the 2025 test or simply overlooked. If original, they remain a safety risk, as corroded lines can rupture under braking pressure. Beyond corrosion, the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint play recorded in 2024 warrants a re-check. Slight play at that stage can progress to excessive wear, causing vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and potential failure. The missing rear exhaust heat shield from the 2022 test should also be verified as replaced, since its absence exposes nearby components and trim to excessive heat. Tyre condition and age deserve attention given the low mileage; rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth, and tyres over six years old should be replaced regardless of appearance. Overall, this Mazda 2 has been kept on the road but not particularly well maintained beneath the surface.