2004 Mazda 3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mazda 3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mazda 3 than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Sub-frame3.5× usual
  Mazda 3

  17.8% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Headlights1.6× usual
  Mazda 3

  21.6% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 4.9% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Mazda 3

  17.5% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.1% of all 2004 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usual
  Mazda 3

  13.3% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Mazda 3

  10.9% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Mazda 3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Mazda 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  59% 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
  44% 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
  38% 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
  32% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  25% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Mazda 3

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

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2004 Mazda 3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2004 Mazda 3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Mazda 3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?