2012 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · SM12 BUJ

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a recurring trend of deteriorating braking components and structural corrosion. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 92,981 miles passed, it followed a significant failure just nine days prior where multiple safety faults were identified. The maintenance trend appears reactive rather than proactive, as the vehicle consistently enters testing with critical mechanical failures, such as leaking brake pipes and failing brake efficiency, only to address them after a failure. At 14 years old with 92,981 recorded miles, the Mazda 6 shows an average of approximately 6,642 miles per year. This usage is consistent with typical low-use patterns, suggesting the vehicle has not been subjected to high mileage. However, the gap between the June 2024 test at 84,338 miles and the July 2025 test at 92,970 miles shows roughly 8,600 miles of travel, which was sufficient to reveal rapid degradation of the hydraulic system and exhaust components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame, which the tester flagged as corroded in 2025. Although not yet structurally weakened, the presence of corrosion on a load member often precedes expensive structural repairs if not monitored. The history also shows persistent issues with front brake pipes and hoses that are noted as corroded or covered in grease. This suggests the previous owner may have attempted to mask surface rust with lubricants rather than replacing the aging metalwork of the hydraulic lines. Further attention should be paid to the front suspension and tyres. The previous failure for a deteriorated ball joint dust cover in 2023 and the 2025 advisory for a nearside front inner tyre worn to the edge indicate potential alignment issues or neglect of basic wear items. Given the history of binding rear brakes and low brake efficiency recorded in 2025, the entire braking system, including the parking brake and calipers, should be verified for even wear to ensure the recent repairs were effective.