2003 Mazda 2: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mazda 2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mazda 2 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Mazda 2

  34.5% All 2003 cars

  18.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover1.9× usual
  Mazda 2

  8.8% All 2003 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.7% of all 2003 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.

• Wheels3.2× usual
  Mazda 2

  4.8% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Engine warning light1.9× usual
  Mazda 2

  5.2% All 2003 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Steering swivel joints3× usual
  Mazda 2

  3% All 2003 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2003 Mazda 2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mazda 2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  40% 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
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mazda 2

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2003 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?