2001 Mazda Demio: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mazda Demio?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mazda Demio than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.3× usual
  Mazda Demio

  21% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Mazda Demio

  20.4% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 4.1% of all 2001 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.

• Ball joint dust cover3.6× usual
  Mazda Demio

  13.2% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.3% of all 2001 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 2001 Mazda Demio MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mazda Demio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% 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
  27% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  21% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Mazda Demio

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2001 Mazda Demio as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2001 Mazda Demio as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2001 Mazda Demio as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?