2009 Mazda 3 1.6L Diesel · ST09 WPD

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness profile, showing a consistent maintenance trend despite its age. The most recent inspection on 7 October 2024 at 93,778 miles passed with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the car currently meets the minimum safety standards. While the history shows failures in both 2022 and 2024, these were resolved immediately as evidenced by the successful re-tests. This suggests the owner is proactive in addressing MOT failures once they are flagged by the tester rather than allowing faults to accumulate into mechanical neglect. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,516 miles per year. Between October 2022 and October 2023, the car covered 4,884 miles, while it clocked another 5,561 miles in the following year. This steady, low usage suggests light travel, which typically reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine compared to high-mileage examples. However, low mileage on older vehicles can sometimes mask the degradation of rubber components or the drying of seals, which are not always fully apparent during a standard MOT test. A buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension to account for the vehicle's age. Mazda 3 models from this era are historically prone to structural corrosion in the rear wheel arches, sills, and floor pans. Since the MOT record shows no structural failures, a check for surface-level rust that has not yet reached the threshold of failure is essential. Also examine the brake lines for signs of corrosion and perished, as low-frequency use can lead to caliper seizing or brake fluid pitting if the vehicle sits for extended periods.