2014 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · YM14 XEY

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a gradual decline in attention to rubber-based components. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 42,889 miles identified slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint, this specific issue was also flagged during the May 2025 test at 37,410 miles, indicating that the component was not replaced despite the recurring advisory. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. This low usage explains the lack of mechanical wear on the drivetrain, but correlates directly with the degradation seen in the tyres. There is a notable gap between the July 2022 test at 28,573 miles and the July 2023 test at 31,867 miles, during which the car may have sat stationary for extended periods, often leading to the age-related perishing of rubber parts rather than simple tread wear. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of all four tyres, as the record shows consistent cracking and perishing across multiple axles in tests since 2023. These are signs of dry rot caused by low use and age. Furthermore, the offside front suspension ball joint requires immediate attention and replacement, as the play has persisted through two consecutive MOT cycles without intervention. The front brakes should also be checked for thickness, as they were noted as wearing thin in 2023 and low-mileage vehicles often suffer from surface corrosion on the discs when not used frequently.