2018 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · SS18 BBS

A recurring theme of rear brake wear and a single dangerous brake failure sit at the centre of this Mazda 3's MOT history, making the braking system the primary area of mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. The 2024 test recorded a dangerous defect with the rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, alongside an advisory for thinning front pads, and earlier tests in 2022 and 2023 consistently flagged rear pad wear at or near the limit, with the 2023 advisory specifically noting the outer pads worn down to approximately 2 mm. Both inner rear brake discs were also noted in 2023 as having a corrosion band formed around the outer circumference, and rear tyre wear on both sides prompted advisories in 2025. Against this, the most recent test on 18 June 2026 resulted in a pass with only a single advisory regarding a nail in the nearside rear tyre tread, which is a relatively clean outcome following the more serious issues of prior years. The recorded mileage of 68,371 miles over the vehicle's eight-year life equates to approximately 8,546 miles per year, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps between annual tests and the mileage progression is consistent year on year, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods. This continuous usage pattern reduces the likelihood of issues such as seized brake calipers, perished rubber components, and stale fluids, though the brake-related advisories demonstrate that wear-related consumables have still required regular attention. For a prospective buyer, the most important mechanical checks during a physical inspection should focus on the components that have repeatedly appeared in the MOT record. The rear brake pads and discs are the obvious priority: a test drive should be conducted to feel for any judder through the brake pedal or a pulsing sensation under heavy braking, which would suggest the rear discs have worn beyond their service limit following the corrosion banding noted in 2023. The nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush, which was flagged in 2023 as starting to split, should also be inspected; listen for knocking or clunking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and check for any vagueness or wandering in the steering. Given the consistent pattern of nails and screws in the nearside and offside rear tyres across multiple years, it would be prudent to inspect the rear tyres closely for any slow punctures or plug repairs, and to verify the spare wheel or repair kit is present and serviceable. The 2023 failure for split front wiper blades is a minor item that has clearly been resolved, and the lack of any structural corrosion, exhaust, lighting, or steering-related advisories throughout the recorded history is a positive indicator. However, given the dangerous rear brake defect recorded in 2024, it would be reasonable to request evidence of the brake work carried out at that time and to budget for replacement of the rear brake pads and potentially the rear discs in the near term, as the 2023 advisories indicated disc corrosion that may have continued to progress. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician, with the vehicle raised on a ramp to allow visual examination of the rear brake calipers for binding and the underbody for any corrosion, is strongly recommended.