2009 Mazda 3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Mazda 3 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Mazda 3 petrol than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  Mazda 3

  17.7% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.8× usual
  Mazda 3

  17% All 2009 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm3.7× usual
  Mazda 3

  11.5% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3× usual
  Mazda 3

  12.3% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.6% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Mazda 3

  14.7% All 2009 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 3.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2009 Mazda 3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Mazda 3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  30% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Mazda 3 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Mazda 3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Mazda 3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2009 Mazda 3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?