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Is this 12-year-old, low mileage Mazda likely to cause me problems?

I've been offered a 12-year-old Mazda estate with just 12,000 miles on the clock. It's been used only for trips to the local shops. Please would you tell me what problems I might have as a result of this sort of use?

Asked on 14 July 2012 by GB, via email

Answered by Honest John
You can expect more engine wear than 150,000 motorway miles as well as alternator and battery problems and a rotted-out exhaust system.
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