2016 Mazda 6 2.2L Diesel · LL65 UPF

The vehicle presented for its most recent MOT on 7 January 2026 and achieved a Pass, although it carries one advisory concerning a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, plus two Minor items recorded against the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers, which were noted as severely deteriorated. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the maintenance trend is largely stable with annual Passes recorded consistently since 2021; however, the January 2024 test did record a Dangerous failure for a nearside front inner tyre with structural separation and edge wear down to 2.5 mm, alongside advisories for the offside front tyre and a child seat obscuring belt inspection. The re-presentation on the same day returned a Pass once the dangerous tyre was presumably replaced, and the 2025 test was clean, suggesting the owner has addressed prior issues rather than allowing them to compound. The current advisory tyre and the deteriorated ball joint dust covers warrant attention, as they indicate the early stages of wear that will likely progress before the next annual test. With a recorded mileage of 100,648 against an age of approximately ten years, the vehicle is accumulating around 10,065 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests consistent regular use rather than long periods of standing. This level of usage is generally beneficial for mechanical longevity, keeping seals lubricated, preventing moisture accumulation in the engine and exhaust, and avoiding the corrosion issues that can afflict low-mileage or stored vehicles. There is no evidence in the MOT record of any unusual gaps in testing or sudden mileage spikes, which indicates a continuous service history. The mileage is sufficient to have warranted replacement of several sets of tyres and likely at least one set of front brake pads, alongside possible front disc refurbishment given the 2021 advisory concerning nearside front inner brake disc wear and pitting. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories relating to front and rear tyres worn on their edges suggest that the geometry should be inspected closely; uneven edge wear typically points to camber misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or top mount deterioration, all of which are plausible on a ten-year-old Mazda 6. The 2019 advisory concerning a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel should also be raised with the seller, as a previously impacted wheel can persistently induce vibration through the steering and accelerate tyre shoulder wear. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension particularly over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest the ball joints themselves are beginning to fail now that their protective dust covers have perished; ingress of dirt and moisture will rapidly accelerate wear once the gaiter is compromised. Inspect the front tyres for inner and outer edge wear patterns and confirm that a recent geometry check or four-wheel alignment has been carried out. Beyond the advisories, the buyer should carry out age- and mileage-appropriate physical checks before purchase. Examine all four tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth, particularly on a 2016 vehicle; confirm the sidewall date codes to ensure none are older than five years. Inspect the bodywork and underbody for corrosion, paying particular attention to wheel arches, sills, and the rear axle assembly, given the damp UK climate exposure over a decade. Verify the service book stamps to confirm regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, and check the brake fluid and coolant dates, as both fluids degrade with time and should ideally have been renewed within the last two to three years regardless of mileage. Finally, test the 12V battery under load, as original-equipment units often require replacement at this age, and confirm that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as rear caliper mechanisms can seize on cars that see mixed urban and motorway use.