2012 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · OV12 AVK

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward addressing age-related hardware degradation. The most recent test in February 2026 at 62,900 miles identified multiple advisories that indicate the car is entering a wear phase. The tester flagged a corroded rear exhaust causing a minor leak, alongside pitted and scored front and rear brake discs. While the car passed, these defects suggest that time-sensitive components are reaching the end of their functional life despite the low annual mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a fourteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year. This low usage is evident in the four-year gap between 2022 and 2026, where the car covered only 5,519 miles. However, this pattern of use often correlates with accelerated aging of rubber and metal components, as evidenced by the recurring issues with perishing tyres, cracked plates, and structural corrosion noted throughout the history. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the chassis and suspension mounting to assess the extent of the corrosion noted in the 2026 test. The exhaust system will require immediate attention to prevent further degradation and potential emissions failures. Additionally, the brake discs are both scored and pitted which will likely require replacement alongside new pads to ensure safe stopping performance. Given the history of structural tyre failures and bulges, current tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking and perishing, as the low mileage often masks rubber hardening that exceeds legal tread limits.