2016 Mazda Cx-3 2.0L Petrol · WF66 TYY

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 September 2025 returned a PASS for this 2016 Mazda CX-3, with a single advisory recorded for the front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge. Looking back over the recorded test history, the overall trend is broadly stable: the vehicle has passed every annual test since first registration, with only one failure recorded in September 2023. That earlier failure, however, did include a Dangerous defect for front brake pads under 1.5 mm thick, which is a particularly serious omission at the time and suggests the braking system may have been allowed to run close to wear limits in previous cycles. Minor issues such as a defective wiper blade and an insufficient washer jet were also noted in 2022 and 2023 respectively, alongside an advisory for a tyre cut and another for a non-excessive oil leak. While the absence of any repeat advisories on brake components in subsequent tests is reassuring, the recurring tyre advisories across multiple years indicate that the wheels, suspension geometry, or driving style may be accelerating front tyre wear and warrant close inspection. With 47,620 miles recorded over approximately ten years of service, this CX-3 is operating at a low annual usage rate of around 4,762 miles per year, which is considerably below the national average for a vehicle of this age. Low mileage of this nature often reflects a combination of light-use driving, such as short urban journeys, and extended periods of standing. Mechanically, this usage profile tends to be kinder to high-mileage wear items such as the clutch, drivetrain and major engine components, but it can be more punishing on items that degrade with time rather than use. The recorded test history supports this: there are no advisories relating to high-wear components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs or the exhaust system, all of which would normally show accelerated wear on higher-mileage examples. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should focus inspection effort on time-related degradation as much as on conventional wear. Tyres fitted to a ten-year-old car that has covered relatively few miles will almost certainly be age-expired even if the tread depth appears acceptable; check the DOT date code on the sidewall and consider replacement if the tyres are more than five or six years old, as the rubber compounds perish and sidewall cracking becomes a safety concern. Similarly, examine the brake discs closely for surface corrosion, particularly on the rear axle where binding calipers are common on lightly used vehicles, and listen on the test drive for any scraping or grinding from the disc shields. The fuel system, brake fluid, coolant and automatic transmission fluid (where applicable) all degrade through calendar ageing rather than mileage, so verify the service book stamps and confirm when these fluids were last changed. During the test drive, pay particular attention to symptoms that match the recorded advisories: uneven front tyre wear and worn edges typically indicate either incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension components, so listen for clonks or knocks over speed bumps and check for pulling to one side under braking. The advisory oil leak should be inspected visually by examining the engine underside and surrounding components for fresh residue, and the engine note should be observed for any rough running or timing chain rattle, which can develop on low-mileage examples that have spent time standing. Beyond the advisories, ensure the 12-volt battery is tested for state of health, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years and a ten-year-old vehicle will almost certainly be on its second or third unit. Finally, confirm the full service history and look for evidence of regular annual use rather than long periods of inactivity, as consistent short journeys without proper warm-up cycles can lead to oil dilution, carbon build-up and premature wear of the catalytic converter and exhaust system.