2008 Mazda 6 2.5L Petrol · CV08 COU

The most recent DVSA test on 26 February 2024 resulted in a PASS, but it was issued with five advisories covering front and rear brake pads wearing thin, pitted and lipped front brake discs, and slight play in both nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joints. This pattern, when read against the previous three years of records, suggests a vehicle whose mechanical condition is gradually worsening rather than improving. The 2022 and 2023 tests already flagged front brake disc wear, both rear brake calipers binding, and corrosion to rear suspension components, and the 2024 entry adds suspension ball joint deterioration and thinner pads across both axles. The single 2021 pass with no advisories is now two tests behind, and the cumulative picture is of a chassis and braking system that is steadily accruing wear items typical of a high-mileage car reaching the end of its component life cycles. The recorded mileage of 124,429 miles over approximately eighteen years equates to an annual average of around 6,913 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, though it sits at the lower end of average private use. There are no large unexplained gaps in the mileage progression visible between tests, and the consistent year-on-year accumulation suggests the car has been in regular use rather than laid up for long periods, which is generally favourable for preventing standing-related corrosion and perishing of rubber components. The mileage is, however, substantial in absolute terms, and at this point in a Mazda 6's life the wear on suspension, braking, and drivetrain components is well advanced, which is consistent with the pattern of advisories recorded. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the items flagged repeatedly in the MOT history. The front brake discs have been noted as worn, pitted, or scored at three consecutive tests, and with the 2024 advisory also recording lipping, a thorough inspection of disc thickness is essential, and replacement of discs and pads together is likely imminent. The binding rear brake calipers noted in 2022 should be checked for free operation, as sticking calipers generate heat, accelerate pad wear, and cause rear brake judder under light pedal pressure. The slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints warrants a road test listening for clonks or knocking over speed humps and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and the lower arms may need renewal. The 2019 advisory regarding rear inner sills corroding and perishing trailing arm bushes is also worth re-examining, as corrosion tends to progress and the Mazda 6 of this era is known to suffer in the rear sill and wheel arch areas. Beyond the items already recorded, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires general condition checks regardless of MOT outcome. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing or cracking from age, even if the tread depth appears acceptable, and the 12V battery should be load tested as units beyond five years often fail without warning. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid all degrade with calendar age and should be confirmed as recently serviced, with evidence in the service book. Given the recorded front position lamp failure in 2023, all exterior bulbs should be checked for operation, and the exhaust system inspected for corrosion at the mounting points, cat back box, and rear silencer, as these are common failure areas on high-mileage cars. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection on a ramp is strongly recommended to verify the extent of any sill and suspension corrosion noted historically, and to check for fluid leaks from the engine, power steering, and transmission before committing to purchase.