2009 Mazda 2 1.5L Petrol · ST09 CDZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 February 2026 resulted in a Pass, although it attracted one minor defect relating to an offside rear registration plate lamp being inoperative across multiple lamps, alongside four advisories concerning an offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit, a nearside rear brake pipe coated in grease or other material, and corrosion noted on both rear coil springs. Reviewing the broader MOT trajectory, the vehicle recorded clean passes with no advisories in 2025, 2021 and 2020, but the intervening years have shown an accumulation of advisories around steering, braking and underbody condition. The most concerning entry remains the November 2020 failure, where major defects were recorded for a fractured offside rear coil spring and three excessively corroded brake pipes, all of which were presumably rectified for the same-day pass. The overall trend suggests the car is now entering a phase where corrosion-related and wear-based advisories are becoming more frequent, which is consistent with advancing age rather than neglect, but does indicate that proactive inspection of underbody components is advisable. With 111,967 miles recorded over approximately 17 years, this Mazda 2 has covered an average of around 6,586 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears steady rather than erratic, with no significant unexplained jumps or extended gaps that would suggest a tampered odometer or prolonged periods out of use. This consistent pattern of moderate usage is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it implies regular running which helps prevent issues associated with standing, such as seized calipers, dried seals, and battery depletion. However, given that the vehicle is now well into its late teens, calendar-related degradation of rubber, fluids and electrical components should be expected regardless of the modest annual mileage. The recurring advisories surrounding the brake pipes and coil springs warrant particular attention during any pre-purchase inspection. The November 2020 failure for excessively corroded brake pipes at three locations, followed by a further advisory in 2026 for a nearside rear brake pipe coated in grease or other material, suggests that corrosion protection on the underbody braking system remains an ongoing concern. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any scraping or grinding from the brakes, monitor for a spongy or low brake pedal, and visually inspect the pipes along their length for blistering rust, flaking, or weeping of brake fluid, particularly at unions and bends. The advisories on both rear coil springs in the most recent test, alongside the 2020 fractured spring failure, indicate that the rear suspension is susceptible to corrosion-induced weakening; symptoms include a noticeably lower rear ride height on one side, clonking noises over bumps, or uneven rear tyre wear. Given the age and the 2024 advisory noting surface rust on the underside, it would be prudent to place the vehicle on a ramp to assess the overall structural and component condition beneath. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer of this 17-year-old Mazda 2 should carry out several age-appropriate physical checks irrespective of its clean MOT appearances. Tyres, while recently flagged at the front, should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on older vehicles even where tread depth remains adequate. The 12-volt battery is likely due for replacement given its age, and its state of health should be verified. Brake discs may exhibit significant corrosion or lipping from years of use, and the calipers could be binding, particularly if the car has been stood for extended periods; this can be checked by ensuring the wheels spin freely when jacked and by feeling for any uneven drag once rolling. Fluid services, including brake fluid, coolant and engine oil, should be confirmed as recently performed, as these degrade over time even with low mileage. Finally, the steering rack and track rod ends, which were flagged for slight play in 2023, should be re-inspected for any developed looseness, and a thorough road test should be conducted paying attention to any vibrations, pulling, or knocking through the front suspension.