2014 Mazda 6 2.2L Diesel · PR12 DAD

A clear pattern of rear suspension and tyre wear advisories has emerged on this Mazda 6 over the past three MOT tests, and that forms the mechanical story you need to weigh when considering purchase. The 2026 test on 3 July recorded a clean pass with no failures, but carried advisories for both nearside and offside rear anti-roll bar linkages showing corrosion not yet deemed serious, alongside matching advisories on both rear tyres for slight damage, cracking or perishing. These exact linkage advisories also appeared at the 2025 test, suggesting the corrosion is progressing rather than having been rectified, while the 2024 test was completely clean of defects. Earlier, the 2023 test flagged front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges, and the 2022 test was again fully clean. The trend is not one of escalating failure severity, but rather a recurring rear-end focus that any buyer should treat as the most likely area for near-term rectification work. Mileage accumulation on this 2014 Mazda 6 sits at 73,493 recorded miles across twelve years, averaging roughly 6,124 miles annually, which is broadly typical for the age and segment and points to steady mixed-use rather than prolonged storage or motorway-only operation. There are no unusual gaps between test dates or anomalous jumps in recorded odometer readings, which gives reasonable confidence that the mileage shown is representative of the vehicle's working life. At this annual rate, the engine, transmission and clutch assemblies are within the range where major wear is not yet expected, though consumable items such as suspension bushes, dampers and brake components are at the stage where original factory parts are commonly reaching the end of their service life. The progression of corrosion advisories on the rear anti-roll bar links despite consistent driving is consistent with a vehicle that has seen several winters of road salt exposure rather than any indication of neglect or extended lay-up. For a prospective buyer, the rear anti-roll bar linkages should be the first item to inspect physically on a viewing. Ask the seller to demonstrate both rear wheels lifted if possible, and look for crumbling or flaking rubber bushes where the thin metal drop links connect to the anti-roll bar, paying particular mind to surface rust blooming around the spherical joints. On the road, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps or during direction changes, which would indicate the links have worn beyond the advisory threshold. Also check the rear tyres for cracking visible in the sidewall grooves or bulges suggesting structural fatigue, and bear in mind that the advisory pattern suggests replacement of both rear tyres is likely overdue. Given the prior front tyre edge wear advisory from 2023, a current inspection of the front pair for uneven shoulder wear and correct wheel alignment is advisable, as camber or tracking issues would have accelerated that pattern. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough test drive should include firm braking from moderate speed to check for any rear pulling or judder through the pedal, and listening for any binding or grinding from the rear calipers given the mileage. The Mazda 6 diesel variants of this era are also known for wear in the rear brake caliper handbrake mechanisms, so confirm the handbroke holds on an incline without excessive lever travel. Under the bonnet, look for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover gasket and check the coolant level for the tell-tale chocolate milkshake residue that can indicate failed swirl flaps on the diesel variant, though no such defects appear in the MOT record. Finally, inspect the underbody and rear subframe mounting points for any corrosion beyond surface rust, as the rear linkage advisories suggest salt exposure in this region that could potentially progress to structural areas if left unaddressed.