2015 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · DC64 AAV

A recurring theme in the MOT record is the condition of the front anti‑roll bar assembly and the near‑limit tread on the nearside front tyre. The 2025 test flagged a major defect – the off‑side front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust cover no longer prevented dirt ingress – and the 2024 advisory noted severe deterioration of the same component on the off‑side. The latest 2026 inspection, while a pass, still recorded advisories for tyre wear on the nearside front and a size mismatch on the off‑side front, indicating that the tyre set has not been fully balanced and the anti‑roll bar dust covers remain a point of concern. At 70,037 mi the car averages roughly 6,400 mi per year, a mileage figure that sits comfortably within the typical range for an eleven‑year‑old family saloon. The MOT history shows no long gaps between tests, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This modest annual accumulation means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be moderate, but the specific tyre wear advisories indicate that the current set may be approaching the end of its service life despite the overall low mileage. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust covers. Look for any signs of corrosion, loosened fasteners or dirt ingress around the joint; a compromised cover can allow grit to contaminate the ball joint, leading to premature wear, noisy steering or a vague knock when the suspension is loaded. During a test drive, feel for any looseness or clunking over bumps, especially on the front corners, and note whether the steering returns smoothly to centre. The tyre situation also warrants scrutiny: confirm that the front tyres are of the correct, matching size, and measure tread depth on the nearside front – the advisory about edge wear suggests the tyre may be close to the legal minimum and could be unevenly worn, which would affect grip and handling. Verify that the off‑side front tyre matches the nearside in size and condition to avoid handling imbalance. Finally, address the minor registration‑plate lamp fault by checking that the light functions correctly, as a working plate lamp is a legal requirement. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection should include a full suspension check, confirming the integrity of the anti‑roll bar linkages and bushings, and a tyre replacement plan that resolves the size mismatch and restores full tread depth. With these items rectified, the vehicle’s low mileage and generally clean MOT history suggest it can remain a reliable, road‑worthy choice.