2008 Mazda 6 1.8L Petrol · HT08 HRA

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a concerning downward trend regarding structural integrity. While it passed its most recent test on 19 December 2025 at 86,274 miles, the inspector flagged significant corrosion affecting the rear near-side and off-side frames, mountings, and various suspension components. This issue is not new; the 2023 test at 72,540 miles also noted corrosion on the front frame, arms, and spring mountings. The recurring nature of these structural advisories suggests that corrosion is progressing rather than being remediated. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 4,793 miles per year over its eighteen-year lifespan. The recorded distance increased from 66,196 miles in December 2022 to 86,274 miles in December 2025. This consistent, low-speed usage pattern often correlates with the type of corrosion seen here, as vehicles driven short distances frequently encounter higher moisture retention in the chassis and suspension areas. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough underside inspection to assess the depth of the reported corrosion. The transition from general corrosion advisories in 2022 and 2023 to specific mentions of frame and mounting degradation in 2025 indicates a worsening condition that may eventually compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. The presence of underseal, noted in the December 2024 failure and subsequent pass, may be masking deeper oxidation that requires physical probing. Mechanical attention should also be directed toward the braking system and consumables. The 2025 test identified thin rear brake pads, following a similar advisory in 2023. While the 2024 failure for an inoperative registration plate lamp was a minor electrical issue, the repeated mentions of worn tyres and thinning brake pads suggest that while the vehicle is being used, basic consumable maintenance is reactive rather than proactive. Focus heavily on the rear suspension mountings and the condition of the chassis rails.