2010 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · OV10 MYA

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 August 2026 resulted in a PASS, although five advisory notices were issued, indicating that while the vehicle currently meets statutory roadworthiness standards, several components are showing progressive wear and warrant close scrutiny before purchase. Reviewing the recent MOT history, the overall maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, as each annual test since 2022 has resulted in a pass once defects were rectified, and the items failing in 2023 and 2025 were primarily related to tyres, lighting, and a leaking rear shock absorber rather than fundamental structural or mechanical integrity. However, the recurrence of advisories relating to front wheel bearing play, rear suspension corrosion, exhaust corrosion, and brake wear suggests an ongoing pattern of wear typical of a vehicle approaching its sixteenth year, and a prospective buyer should treat these advisories as predictive indicators of forthcoming maintenance expenditure rather than dismiss them as cosmetic. With recorded mileage of 127,079 miles over approximately sixteen years, this Mazda 6 averages around 7,900 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates regular but not exceptionally heavy use. The mileage progression across the recorded tests appears consistent, with no dramatic gaps or unusually rapid accumulation, suggesting the vehicle has been in steady service rather than left standing for prolonged periods or used for high-mileage motorway commuting. This usage profile is generally favourable for component longevity, although the consistent appearance of corrosion-related advisories on the rear suspension and exhaust indicates that environmental exposure, particularly winter road salt, has taken its toll on unprotected ferrous components, which is a common issue for vehicles of this era operating in the UK climate. The recurring advisory regarding slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing, noted in both 2025 and 2026, points to a developing issue within the front hub assembly that warrants particular attention on inspection, as wheel bearings progress from slight play to audible humming or droning that increases with vehicle speed, and ultimately to excessive looseness that can compromise handling and braking. On a test drive, listen for a rotational growl from the front nearside corner that changes pitch with speed, and gently rock the steering to feel for any notching or roughness through the wheel. The rear brake disc pitting and pad thinning advisories from 2026 indicate the braking system is approaching a service interval, and prospective buyers should expect to budget for rear brake disc and pad replacement within the next 5,000 to 10,000 miles; on inspection, check for brake shudder under firm pedal application and listen for any scraping or grinding noises that would indicate pad material fully worn. The persistence of rear suspension corrosion advisories, combined with the 2023 failure for an offside rear shock absorber fluid leak, suggests the rear suspension is in a measurable state of decline, and buyers should test for vertical bouncing after pressing down on each rear corner, listen for clonking over uneven surfaces indicative of worn bushes or top mounts, and consider a precautionary underbody inspection to assess the extent of corrosion on mounting points before they progress to a category of structural concern. Given the vehicle's age, additional inspection priorities should include a thorough examination of tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking from age-related rubber degradation, even where tread depth remains adequate, as sixteen-year-old tyres lose elasticity and grip regardless of wear. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking strength, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods between uses, and the cooling system should be checked for evidence of aged hoses, perished clips, or discoloured coolant suggesting overdue replenishment. Brake fluid and engine oil should be verified against service schedule stamps in the documentation, as these degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. Finally, the deteriorating driver's seat bracket noted in 2025 and the repeated exhaust corrosion advisories suggest that secondary structural and underbody components are reaching the stage where rectification costs begin to accumulate, and a buyer should weigh these forthcoming maintenance items against the purchase price accordingly.