2010 Mazda Demio 1.3L Petrol · SO59 VCC

The Mazda Demio’s most recent MOT, conducted just five months ago on 2025-02-11, confirms the vehicle passed without defects at 99,947 miles. However, the immediate preceding test on 2025-02-04—just seven days earlier—was a failure, though no specific faults were recorded. This pattern repeats annually, with back-to-back passes and fails at roughly 97,000 and 88,000 miles respectively, suggesting the vehicle meets MOT standards at the last possible moment before expiry. The lack of documented defects in failures implies either a minor oversight in test procedures or a consistent but non-critical issue that narrowly avoids failure thresholds. The trend remains stable, with no evidence of worsening mechanical concerns, but the proximity of failures to expiry dates raises questions about whether routine maintenance has been overlooked between tests. The vehicle’s mileage progression averages approximately 6,250 miles annually, which is typical for its age and class. There are no significant gaps or abrupt jumps in mileage between tests, indicating consistent use rather than prolonged neglect or storage. The most recent 3,234 miles accumulated between 2024-01-13 and 2025-02-11 aligns with the vehicle’s historical rate, with no sudden spikes that would suggest aggressive driving or deferred maintenance. While the mileage is well within expected parameters for a 16-year-old car, the annual MOT cycle—without intermediate servicing—may leave some wear items approaching their limits. Given the absence of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components that commonly fail without obvious warning signs. The suspension, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these are prone to gradual degradation over 100,000 miles. Brake systems warrant scrutiny, especially the rear calipers and discs, which may exhibit binding or uneven wear despite passing MOT tests. Structural integrity, including the floor pans and wheel arches, should be assessed for corrosion, particularly around the rear wheel housings where salt ingress is likely. Tyre condition, while not flagged in the MOT history, should be verified for uneven wear or remaining tread depth, as failing twice on tread suggests basic upkeep may have been inconsistent.