Used car guide

2008 Mazda 2: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2008 Mazda 2

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Rear wheel bearings and shock absorbers

    All engines

    Rear wheel bearings and shock absorbers can wear out early. Many bearings were replaced under warranty.

    At the viewing: Listen for droning or grumbling from the back at speed, and for knocks over bumps.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

  • Windows that mist up

    All engines

    The windows mist up easily. Using the air con all year helps.

    At the viewing: Check the demister and air con clear the screen quickly.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

  • Over-sensitive alarm

    All engines

    The alarm can go off by itself after the car is locked.

    At the viewing: Lock it, wait, then walk close around it.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

  • Clicking clutch pedal

    Manual gearbox

    Many cars click when the clutch is pressed. It’s annoying rather than a fault.

    At the viewing: Press the clutch a few times.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

Looking at a Mazda 2?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Mazda 2 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023253Tyres 10%
20224,258Tyres 13%
20217,301Tyres 16%
202012,245Tyres 17%
201924,910Tyres 23%
201823,952Tyres 28%
201722,775Tyres 28%
201629,972Tyres 29%
201529,547Tyres 29%
201425,012Tyres 33%
201325,394Suspension 37%
201226,272Suspension 42%
201131,379Suspension 45%
201036,574Suspension 48%
200935,914Suspension 49%
20078,032Suspension 45%
20063,729Suspension 44%
20053,232Suspension 45%
20042,572Suspension 43%
20031,126Brakes 50%