2012 Mazda 2 1.3L Petrol · YR12 MYO

The 2012 Mazda 2 last passed its MOT on 20 April 2026 at 39,090 miles, with no failures or major defects recorded at that test. However, the trend across the recent record is one of accumulating advisories rather than stability. The April 2024 test produced a failure for an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, a serious component that compromises steering precision and tyre wear if left unattended. Since that failure, the vehicle has passed both subsequent tests, but the recurring advisories on brake pipes, subframe corrosion, and inner sill corrosion indicate a pattern of progressive deterioration typical of a 14-year-old car. Annual mileage is notably low. The recorded figure of 39,090 miles against a 2012 registration equates to roughly 2,792 miles per year. The MOT entries do not include intermediate mileages, so it is not possible to pinpoint exactly how those miles accumulated, but the headline figure suggests light overall use. Low mileage can mask issues associated with prolonged standing, such as seized calipers, corroded brake lines, and brittle rubber components, all of which are consistent with the advisories seen in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests. The brake system requires particular attention. Front brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in April 2025, while corrosion advisories on front and rear brake pipes have appeared at every test since March 2023, with grease or other material applied as a temporary measure. By April 2026 the front subframe was also noted as corroded, and oil leakage from a corroded sump was recorded. The inner sills were first flagged for corrosion in April 2024 and remain a standing advisory, suggesting the structural condition warrants a close visual inspection beneath the vehicle, ideally with the car raised, to confirm no serious weakening has developed. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the front suspension for any renewed play in the ball joint or bushes, the integrity of the brake pipes and hoses given the recurring corrosion, and a thorough underbody examination for rust progression on the sills and subframe. Test the brake pedal feel for sponginess, listen for binding or uneven braking, and check the sump area for active oil seepage. Confirm whether the 2024 ball joint replacement was carried out with genuine or quality-pattern parts, as this directly affects ongoing steering safety. Buying score: 48. Risk level: Medium.