2009 Mazda 6 2.0L Diesel · LR09 EUW

A clear pattern of chronic chassis and suspension wear has emerged across the MOT record of this 2009 Mazda 6, with advisories relating to corroded rear suspension components appearing in every test from 2022 through to the most recent pass on 16 March 2026. Front suspension arm pins or bushes have also been flagged as worn on both sides across three consecutive years (2023, 2024 and 2025), suggesting progressive deterioration rather than a one-off finding. The 2026 test was otherwise a pass with two minor defects recorded, one for a slightly damaged offside front obligatory mirror and another for an inoperative nearside rear registration plate lamp, neither of which compromises roadworthiness on its own. Taken together, the trajectory of advisories points towards a chassis that is steadily ageing, and any prospective buyer should expect further deterioration of these areas within the next twelve months. With 193,160 miles accumulated over roughly seventeen years, the vehicle is recording around 11,360 miles annually, which is broadly in line with typical usage for its age and gives no indication of prolonged standing or unusually high annual accumulation. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests recorded from 2019 through to 2026, allowing a fairly continuous view of mechanical condition over the last seven years. The mileage progression between tests is consistent rather than erratic, so the wear patterns observed in the advisories can be read as a reasonable reflection of genuine high-mileage use rather than any anomaly. At this odometer reading, consumable wear on items such as brake components, tyres and suspension linkages is to be expected, but the recurring nature of specific advisories suggests some components are approaching the point at which replacement rather than monitoring will be required. Given the recurring rear suspension corrosion advisories and the subframe corrosion noted in 2022, a close visual inspection underneath the vehicle is essential before purchase. Corrosion on suspension arms, coil spring seats and mounting points can progress rapidly once surface rust is established, and what is recorded as not seriously weakened today may be closer to a failure threshold at the next test. The buyer should jack the vehicle or use a ramp to inspect the rear beam, trailing arms and bushes for any flaking or deep scaling, paying particular attention to mounting brackets where corrosion tends to initiate. A test drive should include driving over uneven surfaces and speed humps at low speed, listening for clonks or rattles from the rear, which would suggest bushes or spring seats have loosened, and feeling for any vagueness or wandering through the steering that could indicate front wishbone wear consistent with the repeatedly flagged front arm pins and bushes. Brake-related advisories also warrant direct attention, particularly the front disc wear noted in both 2025 and 2026 and the rear brake disc wear flagged in 2019, alongside the rear pad wear recorded in 2022. On a test drive, the buyer should assess for brake pedal pulsation or vibration under firm application, which would indicate the front discs are now worn beyond their skim allowance and require replacement. The 2021 advisory of a binding offside rear service brake is also worth probing by feeling for any dragging or uneven retardation after a longer stop, and by checking that the rear wheels run cool rather than warm after driving. Additionally, the nearside front lower ball joint dust cover deterioration noted in 2021 and the offside equivalent in 2020 should prompt a physical check of the front ball joints for any play or torn gaiters, as perished covers allow grease loss and grit ingress, accelerating joint wear on a vehicle of this mileage.