2013 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · ST62 KZP

Emerging corrosion and rubber degradation define the current mechanical state of this vehicle, as evidenced by a shift from a clean record in 2023 and 2024 to a series of advisories in the most recent tests. The pass achieved on 2026-03-10 is accompanied by flags for rear suspension arm corrosion, perishing tyres, and an oil leak, indicating a trend of accelerating wear on non-mechanical consumables and structural components. A total recorded mileage of 46,022 miles over thirteen years represents a low annual average of approximately 3,540 miles. This usage pattern is consistent with the specific defects noted in the DVSA records, where low-frequency use often leads to the perishing of rubber components and the onset of surface corrosion on exposed chassis elements rather than wear resulting from high-mileage mechanical attrition. Immediate attention should be given to the rear lower suspension arms, which were recorded as corroded in the March 2026 test. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as this may indicate that the corrosion is affecting the integrity of the suspension bushes or linkages. The reported oil leak, though described as not excessive, requires a physical inspection of the engine bay and the ground beneath the vehicle to identify the source and ensure it is not impacting other critical components. The rear tyres have been flagged for cracking and perishing in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, suggesting they have exceeded their viable service life regardless of the remaining tread depth. A close inspection of the sidewalls for fine cracks is necessary. Additionally, while the 2024 failure for windscreen wipers was a minor rectification, it underscores the need to verify that all rubber seals and wiper blades are currently supple and functioning correctly.