2012 Mazda 6 1.8L Petrol · DA12 SZN

The 2012 Mazda 6 passed its most recent MOT on 16 January 2026 at 121,891 miles, yet the record reveals a worsening corrosion trend that demands caution. While the vehicle has consistently passed since December 2023, the January 2026 test flagged corrosion on the rear vehicle structure within 30cm of mountings on both sides, plus corrosion on the rear sub-frame, front sub-frame, and rear suspension arms, all noted as not seriously weakened at that time. Comparing this to the January 2025 test, which recorded a heavily corroded and holed rear crash bar, corroded coil springs, and corroded front brake pipes, the structural deterioration is clearly progressive rather than resolved. The pattern suggests ongoing underbody decay that has migrated from the rear crash area toward sub-frame and suspension mounting points over twelve months. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,706 miles per year is typical for a fourteen-year-old vehicle, and the record shows consistent annual testing without significant gaps. The odometer moved from 108,080 miles in December 2023 to 114,595 miles by December 2024, then to 114,824 miles in January 2025, before reaching 121,891 miles in January 2026. That final jump of 7,067 miles in under twelve months indicates a period of heavier use following a quieter spell, which may have accelerated wear on consumables and exposed existing corrosion to more moisture and road salt. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough underside inspection, focusing on the rear sub-frame, rear crash bar area, and suspension arm mountings where corrosion has been repeatedly flagged. The January 2025 advisory regarding a holed rear crash bar is particularly concerning from a structural integrity standpoint, and its condition should be verified directly. Front suspension components also warrant close scrutiny given the December 2024 failure for excessively worn lower ball joints and deteriorated dust covers on the offside front, along with slight play on the upper ball joint on the same side. These items were not re-tested in subsequent passes, so their current condition remains unknown. The braking system presents another area of concern. Corroded brake pipes were flagged in December 2023 and January 2025, and worn or pitted brake discs appeared in January 2025 on both axles. Combined with the December 2024 failure for a leaking nearside rear brake caliper banjo and inadequate parking brake efficiency, the hydraulic and mechanical braking components have a documented history of deterioration. A buyer should have the brake lines, calipers, and parking brake mechanism inspected professionally before committing to purchase.