Mazda3s from this generation use Skyactiv petrol engines and a straightforward manual gearbox (commonly 6-speed) — no diesel DPF or AdBlue to worry about. Manuals are mechanically simpler than modern dual-clutch boxes but check clutch wear on an almost-new demo; the car will also carry modern driver-assist kit (camera/radar) that needs proper windscreen and sensor condition.

• Clutch bite and slip: on a road test, watch for slipping under hard acceleration and check for a consistent biting point (important even on a 1-year-old demo).
• Gearbox synchro feel: shifts through 1→2 and into reverse should be smooth without crunching or hard selection.
• Front-end stone chips and paint damage around the bumper/leading edges – small chips can start to corrode paint edges over time.
• ADAS/camera checks: confirm lane-keep/auto-brake/adaptive cruise work correctly and there are no warning lights; inspect windscreen area for correct sensor mounting or replaced glass.
• Tyre condition and DOT age plus even wear across all four tyres (low-mileage cars sometimes have old tyres fitted from stock).