2013 Mazda 6 2.2L Diesel · SN13 XMC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend in structural integrity and suspension component wear. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 138,188 miles passed, it introduced new defects regarding play in both steering rack inner joints. The tester also flagged corroded rear upper sub-frame and identified a nearside rear brake disc as pitted and scored. These issues suggest that while the car meets minimum standards for now, the underbody components and steering assembly are entering a phase of degradation that requires proactive attention. The mileage pattern is remarkably consistent for a thirteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,600 miles per year. Between May 2024 and May 2025, the car covered 2,804 miles, showing a steady usage profile. However, the failure in May 2025 at 134,368 miles highlighted a period of neglected maintenance, as both front suspension ball joints and two front tyres reached their legal limits simultaneously. This indicates that the previous owner tended to address faults only when an MOT failure occurred rather than through regular preventative maintenance. A buyer must conduct a thorough underbody inspection focusing on the progression of corrosion across the sub-frames. Rust on the central, rear, and now upper sub-frames has been documented since 2024, and while the tester currently classifies these as not seriously weakened, the recurring presence across multiple areas is a long-term risk. The newly reported play in the steering rack inner joints is a significant mechanical concern that needs immediate replacement to ensure steering precision and safety. Additionally, the pitted rear brake disc and the history of thin brake pads suggest that the braking system is nearing the end of its service interval.