2010 Mazda 6 2.2L Diesel · LR60 XEC

A persistent pattern of underbody and suspension corrosion is the defining mechanical characteristic of this 2010 Mazda 6, present at every recorded MOT since at least 2015 and worsening in examiner commentary over the intervening tests. The most recent pass on 9 May 2022 was recorded with no defects, but the two preceding tests in September 2020 and September 2021 both flagged the subframe and adjoining components as corroded, with the lower front and rear underbody and suspension areas described as starting to surface corrode by 2021. Heavy corrosion of front and rear suspension components has been noted consistently across 2017, 2018, and 2019, while rear exhaust joints have been flagged as rusty or heavily corroded in four consecutive tests. A 2021 advisory also recorded the rear parking brake efficiency at just 17 percent, sitting close to the failure threshold, and a nearside rear tyre was noted as slightly perished at the same test. No outright failures have been recorded across the seven-year DVSA history available, but the advisory trail paints a clear picture of progressive structural and component degradation rather than a stable roadworthiness profile. Mileage of 151,644 miles on a 16-year-old vehicle equates to an average accumulation of roughly 9,478 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age and segment. Recorded test dates run consecutively on an almost annual basis from 2015 through 2022, with no multi-year gaps that would suggest the vehicle was off the road or laid up, so the recorded mileage is likely to be a fair reflection of consistent use rather than a low-mileage outlier. This continuity of use combined with moderate-to-high annual mileage means that consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension bushes will have absorbed considerably more wear than on a lower-mileage equivalent, and the corrosion noted on these very components is consistent with that usage profile. The nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit in 2020 and the general tyre perishing flagged in 2021 also align with the mileage accumulation expected on a working vehicle of this age. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to scrutinise on a physical inspection are the underbody structure and the suspension. With subframe corrosion already recorded as not seriously weakened but with surrounding components showing surface corrosion, a ramp or pit inspection is essential to verify that the subframe mounting points, front and rear suspension arms, bushes, and coil spring seats have not progressed beyond cosmetic oxidation. Particular attention should be paid to the rear exhaust joint area, where heavy corrosion has been flagged repeatedly, as a failed joint can produce exhaust leaks, ticking under load, and droning at motorway speeds. On a road test, listen for clonks or rattles from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness in steering response or instability under braking, which could indicate worn bushes or corroded drop links. Brake pedal feel and pulling to one side under firm application should also be evaluated, given the recurring advisories on rear brake disc corrosion and the long-travel handbrake observations from earlier tests. The braking and handbrake system warrants direct verification before purchase. The 2021 advisory recording rear parking brake efficiency at only 17 percent of the fail threshold is a significant indicator that the rear brake mechanism, whether caliper, cable, or shoe adjuster, may require attention, and a steep hill start or a firm ratchet application of the handbrake on the test drive will quickly reveal whether the rear brakes are holding or slipping. Front brake discs were flagged with inner face corrosion in both 2016 and 2017, and while surface corrosion on disc faces is normal and often clears with use, persistent judder through the steering wheel under braking would suggest lipping or uneven disc wear requiring machining or replacement. Finally, given the nearside rear tyre perishing advisory in 2021 and the worn-on-edge tyre recorded in 2020, a close inspection of all four tyres for age cracking in the sidewalls and uneven shoulder wear is advisable, as perished rubber on a vehicle of this age and mileage is a common immediate replacement cost that should be factored into any purchase decision.