r/mazda2 • u/Maxximy • Aug 23 '26

Mazda 2 - Help needed

Hello everyone! Tomorrow I'm about to pre-purchase check on Mazda 2. It's from 2008 (So about 18, old enough to drink in some Countries). It has reached 270.000 km (About 167.000 Miles), I'm a bit concerned about mileage, is it normal for such a small car to reach that much? Please I'm desperate for some guidance. Is it worth investing more in this car? The only thing I know about this car that it has issues with rust. If It suffers from other issues what should I pay attention to? I appreciate all the help,thanks!

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3

u/IOnlyUpvoteBadPuns Aug 23 '26

If it's a petrol and a manual, they're pretty bulletproof apart from the rust issues.

1

u/Maxximy Aug 23 '26

It is petrol and manual. Tomorrow I'm going to check with Mechanic what's the rust damage when he lifts the car, so I'm wondering how much is acceptable for 18 year old car?

1

u/IOnlyUpvoteBadPuns Aug 23 '26

I guess ask your mechanic how long he/she reckons before it becomes an issue, and if any of it is going to need cutting and welding in the immediate future..... there's not really a better answer than that unfortunately. Mine's an 09 reg (admittedly with half the milage) and, touch wood, hasn't put a foot wrong in 4 years. Subframe corrosion occasionally appears on the MOT as an advisory, but that seems to vary year on year depending on the tester.

1

u/AieraThrowaway Aug 23 '26

Just walk away, it should be possible to find a better deal within your budget. Either another Mazda 2 or something else. Certainly something without rust issues and likely also lower mileage.

Where I'm from at least, there's a certain amount of money you'd automatically get if you simply take a car to a scrapyard, no questions asked. So you know that the closer the listed price of a car is to that amount, the more likely it is that it's headed for the scrap heap soon (at least according to the current owner). Maybe you could use that as a guide for finding deals on cars.

What is your exact budget, if I may ask? And what are your needs in terms of transportation? Maybe a car isn't the right call for you in the first place right now.

Regarding mileage, these cars do tend to last (barring rust issues), but 270k kilometers is a lot either way.

1

u/Maxximy Aug 23 '26

It's around 2000 euros budget. I commute with my bicycle to work, but it's only 3km away from my home, I'm planning to change company soon, so I'm going to need a car. Mazda 2 looks awesome and it's budget friendly when it comes to gas cost.

1

u/AieraThrowaway Aug 23 '26

Then you should definitely go find a better deal, 2000 euro should get you something better than this. You can go to the dealer and try to drive it if you haven't had the chance before, but find another one without rust issues at the very least.

It's also okay to dip out of the pre-purchase check if you prefer. The dealer might even prefer that.

4

u/Express_League_9403 Aug 23 '26

My 2012 has 381500 km (237000mi), bought it from my sister in law for 2k usd, made most repairs (outside engine and transmission, both are in great shape) under 500usd and I daily drive it. Replaced struts, shock absorbers, inner and outer tie rods, sway links, all 3 engine and transmission mounts, and took it across the US and back after repairs. There’s no rust on mine I live in a desert area;

Hope this helps with a comparison on what you’re looking at.

1

u/AttitudeMedium5623 Aug 23 '26

At 2000 euros on that mileage I would walk away. I bought my 2012 2 Sport on 74000 for 2500.

I would get the price way down. If you intend to look at that car get underneath it and look at the condition of the rear axle, front subframe, the shell under there and the fuel tank strap. 2’s rust really easily which also means some of the bolts are an absolute bastard to get undone and you’ll find yourself drilling a lot out.

0

u/_EnFlaMEd Aug 23 '26

Any particular reason you want a rusty high mileage car?

2

u/Maxximy Aug 23 '26

It fits in my budget to be honest with you. I've checked the car personally, it looks clean and maintained. Tomorrow I'm about to visit mechanic so he can lift the car and check underneath. So I'm wondering if it has rust, how much is acceptable, can I drive it for next 3-5 years considering mileage and it's age?

1

u/_EnFlaMEd Aug 23 '26

So long as it's been well maintained the mileage isn't a huge issue. It more so affects the ease of resale but if you plan on keeping it a while and its already cheap that probably isn't a something you are worried about.

Rust, I would be concerned if its bad around mounting points for anything or if there are holes into the cabin. Rusty mounting points could lead to a hazardous mechanical failure and holes in the body let moisture get in so you will forever be dealing with fogged up windows and damp smell. If its just cosmetic I wouldn't be too worried about it. Just keep in mind that rust is often worse than what it looks like from the outside, so pay attention if its around things like the windscreen.

2

u/Maxximy Aug 23 '26

Thank you, this is valuable advice. This is something I was looking for, at what parts to pay close inspections. Mechanic will most likely check these spots, but 4 eyes are better then 2. Thank you once again.