2016 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · AB66 ADE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 21 October 2025, resulted in a failure due to an excessively worn off‑side front lower anti‑roll‑bar ball joint, classified as a major 5.3.4 (a) (i) defect. In addition, the test recorded an advisory for a slightly damaged off‑side front tyre and a near‑side front tyre approaching the legal tread limit. The presence of a major safety‑critical component failure indicates a deterioration in the vehicle’s condition relative to the earlier years, when the three preceding tests (2022‑2024) were passed without any recorded failures. At 84 993 miles on a 2016 model, the car averages roughly 8 500 miles per annum, which sits squarely within the typical UK usage pattern for a ten‑year‑old saloon. There are no obvious gaps in the mileage record, suggesting the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Consistent annual use of this magnitude will have contributed to normal wear of consumables such as tyres, brake discs, suspension bushings and engine oil, but it does not, in itself, imply excessive stress on the drivetrain or structural components. Prospective buyers should give immediate attention to the off‑side front lower anti‑roll‑bar ball joint. Excessive wear here can lead to vague clunking or knocking from the front suspension when negotiating bumps, and in the worst case may allow the wheel to move out of alignment, affecting handling and tyre wear. A qualified technician should inspect the ball joint for play, check the condition of the associated bushings and the surrounding suspension arms, and replace the joint if any movement is detected. The two front tyres flagged in the MOT also merit close scrutiny: the off‑side tyre shows surface damage that could develop into a puncture or sidewall failure, while the near‑side tyre is worn on its inner edge, a sign of possible mis‑alignment or uneven loading. Examine both tyres for cuts, bulges or exposed ply, verify that tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm across the entire width, and consider replacing them together to maintain balanced grip. Beyond the specific defects, the vehicle’s age calls for a broader set of time‑based checks. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, as rubber deteriorates with age even on low‑mileage cars. Verify the condition of the rear brake discs, which were noted as corroded in 2022; surface rust is common but should be cleanly removed by the pads, whereas pitting or scoring would require disc resurfacing or replacement. Assess the 12 V battery for electrolyte level and charge capacity, especially if the car has spent periods stationary, and confirm that the service history shows regular oil, coolant and filter changes in line with Mazda’s recommended intervals. Finally, look for any signs of fluid leaks, corrosion on suspension mounts, and ensure that the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive rust, all of which are typical concerns for a ten‑year‑old vehicle approaching the 85 000‑mile mark.