2013 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · SN13 XML

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of reactive rather than preventative care. While the most recent test in March 2025 at 90,922 miles passed, it carried over advisories for slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints. This is a recurring issue that has appeared in every record since at least March 2023, indicating that while the components have not yet reached a failure point, the owner has consistently deferred replacing them despite them clearly nearing the end of their functional life. At 90,922 miles over 13 years, the car has averaged approximately 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical low-mileage usage. The mileage data shows steady progression, with roughly 10,000 miles driven between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 9,000 miles between March 2024 and March 2025. However, the failure in February 2025 at 90,921 miles—just one mile before the subsequent pass—suggests the vehicle was only driven to the test centre specifically to rectify critical safety defects like thin brake pads and an inoperative engine management light. A buyer must conduct a close physical inspection of the front suspension, as the repeated flagging of ball joint play suggests the entire arms may require replacement if the rubber bushings have perished. The history also shows a pattern of brake neglect, with binding nearside brakes noted in 2023 and thin rear pads causing a failure in 2025. You should check calipers for signs of seizing and inspect the discs for uneven wear. Given the previously inoperative MIL light reported in early 2025, it is vital to ensure the fault was properly cleared and that no underlying engine codes remain hidden under the dashboard.