2014 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · SL64 DVM

The most recent MOT test on 2026-06-18 resulted in a clean pass, indicating that the vehicle has met all roadworthiness standards at that time. However, the overall maintenance history reveals a notable pattern of recurring issues rather than a consistent trend of stability. The 2024-06-11 MOT failure highlighted a major defect in the offside front wheel bearing, which exhibited roughness upon rotation—a condition that typically progresses with prolonged use, leading to increased vibration, noise, and eventual bearing failure. While subsequent MOTs have passed without such defects, the presence of this failure suggests that the wheel bearing may have been either neglected during repair or that the issue was not fully resolved. The advisories from previous years, particularly those related to tyre cracking or perishing, further underscore the need for vigilance in addressing wear and tear over time. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 85,371 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,114 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a 12-year-old Mazda 6. The consistent but not extreme mileage accumulation suggests a mix of regular use and periods of inactivity, which can lead to specific wear patterns. For instance, prolonged standing can cause brake discs to corrode or calipers to bind, leading to reduced braking efficiency or grinding noises when the vehicle is first driven. Additionally, the suspension components, including bushes and struts, may exhibit signs of wear from both active use and static stress, particularly if the vehicle has been left in a stationary position for extended periods. The advisories regarding tyre cracking or perishing also imply that the tyres have been subjected to gradual degradation from age and light use, which may accelerate if not monitored closely. Given the history of wheel bearing failure and tyre advisories, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the front wheel bearings during the test drive, listening for unusual grinding, humming, or clunking noises when the vehicle is accelerated, decelerated, or driven over bumps. The bearings should be checked for excessive play or vibration, which could indicate further deterioration. If the bearing issue from 2024 was not fully rectified, this could lead to premature failure and potentially compromise wheel alignment or steering control. Additionally, the buyer should inspect the front wheel hubs and seals for signs of leakage or excessive wear, as this may be linked to the bearing failure. Beyond the mechanical checks, the advisories on tyre cracking or perishing warrant immediate attention, as sidewall damage can compromise tyre integrity and safety. The buyer should replace any cracked or perished tyres promptly, as this is a critical safety concern and may affect the vehicle’s MOT pass if the cracks are severe enough to compromise the tyre’s structural integrity. For the age and mileage of this Mazda 6, the buyer should also focus on several age-related checks to ensure long-term reliability. Given the vehicle’s history of light usage, the buyer should verify the condition of the 12-volt battery, as prolonged inactivity can lead to corrosion on terminals or a weakened battery capacity. A simple test drive with the headlights and indicators engaged can help assess battery performance. The brake system should be inspected for signs of corrosion on discs, especially if the vehicle has stood for extended periods, and the calipers should be checked for binding or excessive heat, which may indicate hydraulic issues. The suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes, should be examined for signs of wear or damage, such as bulging springs or excessive play in the joints. The buyer should also consider checking the fluid levels and condition of the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, as these fluids degrade over time, even with infrequent use. Finally, the service history should be reviewed to ensure that time-based maintenance tasks, such as valve adjustments or timing belt replacements (if applicable), have been completed according to the manufacturer’s schedule. If the service book is incomplete, the buyer should budget for these necessary servicing tasks to maintain the vehicle’s reliability and roadworthiness.