2007 Mazda 6 2.0L Diesel · AP07 UFD

A chronic pattern of structural corrosion advisories dominates the MOT history of this nineteen year old Mazda 6, defining the principal mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. The most recent test on 28 March 2022 recorded an advisory for corrosion at both rear wheel arches, continuing a progression that has been tracked by testers since at least 2016. That earlier test in fact resulted in a failure due to an excessively deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover on the nearside front suspension arm, accompanied by an advisory noting corrosion of the rear anti-roll bar itself. From 2018 onwards the advisories have shifted focus inward to the rear inner sills and suspension component mounting prescribed areas on both sides, while 2020 additionally flagged corrosion to the offside front upper strut mounting area. Across seven recorded tests spanning 2016 to 2022, the vehicle has accumulated two rear anti-roll bar advisories, one front suspension component advisory, two rear inner sill advisories, two rear suspension mounting advisories, two rear brake pipe corrosion advisories, and two rear wheel arch advisories. This represents an escalating trajectory of structural and chassis-related deterioration rather than a stable or improving trend. Mileage of 175,036 miles across approximately nineteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 9,200 miles, which is broadly consistent with regular driver use rather than either a low-mileage garage queen or an excessively worked vehicle. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, with the vehicle appearing every year from 2016 through 2022, indicating continuous road use throughout the recorded period. This consistent usage pattern means the suspension, braking, and underbody components flagged repeatedly in the advisories have been subjected to steady wear rather than the shock loading that occurs after long periods of standing or the rapid degradation that can follow sporadic use on damp roads. The combination of average mileage and continuous exposure to British road conditions over nearly two decades is consistent with the accumulation of corrosion advisories seen in the record. A prospective buyer should treat the rear inner sills, rear wheel arches, and suspension mounting areas as the primary inspection priorities, as these zones have been flagged repeatedly and represent the most likely route to an MOT failure or, worse, a structural integrity refusal in future tests. On inspection, look closely at the inner sills for bubbling paint or perforation, particularly along the lower seams where moisture collects, and tap the rear wheel arches with a small hammer to detect any thinning metal behind the visible surface. The brake pipes should be examined physically beneath the car with a torch, as the 2020 advisories noted corrosion covered in grease, which often masks underlying pipe degradation. Both front strut top mountings and the rear anti-roll bar linkages should be checked for surface rust and play, and the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint area warrants close attention given the 2016 failure for the dust cover. On a road test, particular attention should be paid to symptoms consistent with worn suspension components and corroded brake hardware. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and rough surfaces, which would suggest worn ball joints or top mountings, and pay careful attention to the handling balance, since corroded rear anti-roll bar linkages and worn bushes commonly produce vague, less predictable cornering behaviour on a car of this age. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for any sponginess or excessive travel, which can indicate perished or corroded brake pipes, and the vehicle should be checked for any pulling to one side under braking that could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. The rear tyres should also be inspected, as a nearside rear was flagged in 2018 for being worn close to the legal limit at 3mm and beginning to perish, an advisory which suggests the wheel alignment or suspension geometry may have been marginal at that time and should be re-verified.