2005 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · EX55 SWJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 17 November 2025, with a single minor defect noted for a slightly defective offside headlamp lens alongside three advisories covering corrosion to both rear suspension component mounting areas at the sill to wheel arch locations and an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its inner edge. Reviewing the broader trend over the last seven tests, the maintenance picture is broadly stable but with a clear and recurring pattern of brake pad wear advisories in 2022 and 2023, persistent tyre edge wear advisories across multiple years, and the most recent introduction of structural corrosion advisories at the rear suspension mounting points. The absence of any failure items throughout the recorded history is a positive indicator, but the steady accumulation of advisories, particularly the new corrosion findings, suggests the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related deterioration is beginning to manifest and warrants close physical inspection. The recorded mileage of 95,162 miles over approximately 21 years equates to an annual average of around 4,532 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This pattern suggests either genuinely light usage, a period of extended standing, or potentially gaps in use, all of which carry distinct mechanical implications. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the engine internals, clutch and gearbox, it typically accelerates degradation of age-sensitive items including brake discs and calipers through surface corrosion, fuel system components, rubber mounting bushes, drive belt integrity, and the 12 volt battery. Any prospective buyer should treat the displayed mileage with appropriate caution and verify it against the MOT recorded mileages at each test, which are consistent and show a smooth progression. Given the recurring brake pad advisories across the 2018, 2022 and 2023 tests, the front pads have clearly been an ongoing maintenance item and will likely require replacement again in the near term. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing from the front brakes, feel for pedal pulsation or shudder under firm braking which would indicate disc warping often associated with prolonged low-mileage use and subsequent corrosion, and check for the calipers releasing cleanly without binding. The persistent inner and outer edge tyre wear advisories suggest an underlying geometry issue, possibly worn front suspension components, perished bushes, or weak coil springs. Any clonking over bumps, vagueness in steering response, or uneven tyre wear across the tread face should prompt a thorough inspection of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar links, track rod ends and spring condition. The newly recorded corrosion advisories at the rear suspension mounting areas between the sill and wheel arch should be examined carefully, as these are areas prone to salt ingress and structural weakening on older vehicles. While classed as not yet excessive, such corrosion tends to progress, particularly on a vehicle kept outdoors, and any bubbling, flaking paint, or perforations should be scrutinised with a torch and by hand. Beyond the recorded items, the age of the vehicle demands attention to time-based rather than mileage-based servicing, including the condition and fluid specification of the engine coolant, brake fluid which absorbs moisture over time and should be renewed regardless of mileage, power steering fluid, and the automatic or manual transmission oil if applicable. The age of the tyres themselves warrants checking for sidewall perishing and cracking even if tread depth remains legal, the brake discs for surface rust and lipping, all rubber hoses and gaiters for deterioration, the exhaust system for corrosion and blowing joints, and the battery for holding charge under load. A compression test or at minimum a thorough cold-start observation would also be prudent given the extended periods of likely inactivity that this mileage profile suggests.