2017 Mazda 6 2.2L Diesel · OV67 GOP

The most recent MOT test on 23 April 2026 resulted in a PASS, although this came immediately after a FAIL on the previous day, suggesting the vehicle was rectified and re-presented without significant delay. Despite the eventual pass, the failure items were serious in nature, including a dangerous rear tyre with tread depth below the 1.6mm legal minimum and both headlamps with aim too low. When evaluating the maintenance trend, the picture is one of ongoing wear rather than improvement. Recurring advisories across multiple test cycles include persistent nearside front wheel rim distortion, brake component wear on both axles, and front tyre inner-edge deterioration. The 2021 and 2022 tests each produced failures alongside advisories, and the 2026 cycle continues this pattern, indicating a vehicle that is being maintained to a legal pass standard but where component wear is accelerating rather than being addressed proactively. With 129,286 recorded miles over a nine-year life, the Mazda 6 is covering approximately 14,365 miles annually, which is notably above average for its age cohort. The mileage progression between tests shows continuous high usage without significant standing periods, which reduces age-related concerns such as brake caliper seizure or fluid degradation from inactivity. However, this consistent high-mileage usage accelerates wear on all major mechanical assemblies, particularly suspension, drivetrain, clutch, and braking components. The gap between the 2023 and 2026 tests suggests either a missed test or a period outside the standard MOT window, but the mileage accumulation remains substantial and indicates a vehicle that has been worked hard throughout its life. For a prospective buyer, the recurring brake and tyre advisories warrant close physical inspection and a careful test drive. The 2026 advisory noting slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint is a particular concern, as anti-roll bar bushes and drop links deteriorate progressively and can produce clonking noises over speed humps and during direction changes; failure to address this promptly can compromise handling stability. The persistent nearside front wheel rim distortion should be inspected for tyre seating integrity and air loss, as a distorted rim can cause slow punctures and uneven tyre wear even when replacements are fitted. Brake disc wear, flagged on the offside rear in both 2021 and 2026, suggests the discs may be approaching or at minimum service thickness, and on test drive you should listen for any brake shudder under firm application, particularly from the rear axle, as this indicates disc run-out or warping. Beyond the recorded defects, the high annual mileage and nine-year age necessitate a broader mechanical appraisal. Brake fluid should be verified as being changed within the last two years, as moisture absorption reduces its boiling point and can cause brake fade under heavy use, and engine coolant condition should be checked given the calendar age. The timing chain and ancillary drive belt should be inspected for tension and cracking, as these are age-related service items regardless of mileage on this model. Diesel or petrol variant servicing history should be verified through stamps or invoices, with particular attention to transmission fluid, spark plugs, or injector cleaning on higher-mileage examples. Finally, inspect all four tyres not only for tread depth but also for sidewall perishing and cracking consistent with their age, check for any oil weepage from the engine and transmission seams, and ensure the 12V battery holds stable voltage under load, as a tired battery can mask alternator faults and is a common failure point on vehicles of this vintage.