2009 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · BF59 FMP

A structural corrosion advisory noted at the November 2022 test, recorded as affecting the integral body structure all over while leaving structural rigidity not significantly reduced, is the most defining mechanical element of this Mazda 6's MOT history. Whilst the car passed both the failed and re-test on that date, the all-over corrosion remark warrants particular attention from any prospective buyer, as this pattern on a 2009-era Mazda 6 commonly manifests around the rear wheel arches, sills, jacking points, and subframe mounting areas. The subsequent tests in September 2023, September 2024, and September 2025 returned clean passes, with the September 2025 examination recording a pass alongside a rear brake pad wear advisory and a deteriorating nearside front inner driveshaft CV boot minor defect. The absence of any new structural advisories in the two most recent tests is encouraging, but the underlying corrosion noted in 2022 will not have reversed and should be physically inspected, particularly given the vehicle's seventeen-year age and exposure to road salts. Recurring registration plate lamp minor defects across 2022, 2024, and 2025 suggest a persistent electrical gremlin rather than isolated bulb failures, though these are cosmetic issues with straightforward rectification. With 115,158 miles recorded against a seventeen-year lifespan, the vehicle has accumulated approximately 6,774 miles annually, a figure broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular commuter or mixed-use driving rather than long-term storage or excessive high-mileage motorway use. MOT testing has occurred at roughly annual intervals without any notable gaps in compliance, suggesting the vehicle has remained in active service throughout this period. The mileage progression across the recorded tests, climbing from the 2022 entry through to the 2025 reading, indicates steady, predictable accumulation rather than any sudden spike that might suggest a recent change of use or undisclosed heavy usage. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, mechanical wear is to be expected across suspension components, braking hardware, engine ancillaries, and interior trim, but the consistent testing history provides reasonable evidence of ongoing road use and periodic official scrutiny. Prospective buyers should focus the physical inspection on the areas highlighted in the MOT record, beginning with a thorough examination of the bodywork for corrosion advancement beyond what was recorded in November 2022. Particular attention should be paid to the sills, wheel arches, underbody seams, and any structural repair patches, using a magnetic probe or screwdriver to test for underseal swelling that often masks deeper rust. The rear brake pad advisory from September 2025 means the pads are likely approaching or at minimum thickness now, so a visual check through the wheel spokes is worthwhile, alongside listening for any grinding or squealing under light braking and feeling for pedal pulsation that might indicate warped rear discs given the vehicle's mileage. The deteriorated nearside front inner CV boot is an immediate repair requirement, as a torn boot will allow grease loss and eventual joint failure; on a test drive, listen for a rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front when turning at full lock, and check the underside of the inner joint for fresh grease deposits. The offside front tyre edge wear advisory from September 2024, despite not reappearing in the 2025 test, is worth monitoring, as uneven shoulder wear typically points to suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, top mounts, or tracking misalignment on a vehicle approaching its 115,000-mile mark. On the test drive, pay particular attention to any knocking from the front suspension over uneven roads, wandering steering at speed, or uneven tyre wear patterns that could indicate tired front bushes or drop links. The recurring registration plate lamp issues are unlikely to relate to any broader electrical fault, but it remains sensible to verify all exterior lighting functions including main beam, indicators, and fog lights during any pre-purchase walkaround. Finally, given the integral body corrosion noted in 2022, an underside wash and inspection on a ramp prior to purchase would be highly advisable to confirm that structural rigidity remains uncompromised and that no additional corrosion has developed in the intervening period.