2013 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · CE13 AAJ

The 2013 Mazda 6 has a consistent history of passing its annual MOT tests, though the recent records indicate a trend of recurring minor defects that suggest a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than proactive repair. While the vehicle has successfully cleared its most recent inspection in December 2025, the presence of persistent advisories regarding the exhaust system, tyre condition, and subframe corrosion points to an ageing vehicle that is beginning to require more intensive attention. The transition from a clean pass in 2022 to a series of failures and repeat advisories in subsequent years indicates that the mechanical condition is currently in a state of gradual decline, necessitating a thorough appraisal of the vehicle's current state before purchase. With 136,107 miles recorded over thirteen years, the vehicle has been driven at a steady average of approximately 10,500 miles per annum, which is entirely typical for a diesel or high-mileage petrol saloon of this vintage. This level of usage suggests the car has likely spent a significant portion of its life on motorway or A-road commutes, which is generally less taxing on the drivetrain than short, stop-start city journeys. However, at this mileage, you must be prepared for the natural fatigue of major components such as the suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and the turbocharger assembly. The consistency of the mileage accumulation implies the vehicle has been in regular use, which is preferable to long periods of inactivity, though the high total mileage means that any original major components are now well beyond their typical service life. The recurring advisories for exhaust gas leaks and tyre perishing are the most immediate concerns for a prospective buyer. During your test drive, listen carefully for a blowing or ticking sound from the engine bay or underneath the vehicle, which would confirm an exhaust manifold or gasket leak, and check for any smell of fumes entering the cabin. The persistent mention of tyre cracking indicates that the vehicle may have been fitted with budget tyres or has been stored in conditions that accelerate rubber degradation. You should inspect the sidewalls for deep fissures and check the tread patterns for uneven wear, which could signify underlying alignment issues or worn suspension components like the track rod ends previously noted in the MOT history. Finally, the advisory regarding rear subframe corrosion is a significant structural point that requires a physical inspection with a torch and a screwdriver to check for flaking, scale, or structural thinning. While the MOT tester deemed it not seriously weakened, corrosion on a 2013 model can progress rapidly, and you should prioritise a professional lift inspection to ensure the integrity of the mounting points. Furthermore, verify the operation of the tyre pressure monitoring system, as its failure was a specific reason for a previous test failure. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, ensure that you see documented evidence of recent fluid changes, specifically for the brake fluid and coolant, as these are often overlooked but critical for preventing internal corrosion and system failure in a car with this level of service history.