2004 Mazda 6 1.8L Petrol · ST04 XNB

The latest recorded MOT test was a pass on 27 September 2016 with no defects noted. While the final two recorded tests suggest a period of stability, the preceding history indicates a reactive maintenance trend. The 2014 failure for excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting is particularly concerning, as this points to structural vulnerability common in vehicles of this era. Earlier failures regarding tyre tread and brake wear suggest that consumables were often run to the legal limit before being replaced, rather than being managed through a preventative service schedule. The vehicle has covered 117,353 miles over 22 years, averaging approximately 5,334 miles per year. This is significantly lower than average annual usage. However, the most critical observation is the total absence of MOT records between 2016 and 2026. This ten-year gap strongly suggests the vehicle has been stationary for a decade. While the drivetrain may have low mechanical wear, long-term standing often causes more damage than high mileage, specifically regarding the degradation of rubber components, the seizing of moving parts, and the chemical breakdown of essential fluids. Due to the prolonged period of inactivity, a comprehensive physical inspection is essential. You must examine all tyre sidewalls for perishing, weather-cracking, and flat-spotting, as the rubber will have degraded regardless of the remaining tread. The braking system requires scrutiny for binding calipers and heavily pitted or corroded brake discs, which can lead to poor stopping performance or shuddering under braking. The 12V battery will likely be defunct, and all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, must be replaced immediately due to calendar-based degradation and moisture contamination. Special attention must be paid to the underside of the chassis. Given the previous failure for suspension mounting corrosion, you should inspect the rear wheel arches, sills, and suspension pickup points for advanced rust. Check the suspension bushes and ball joint dust covers for splitting or perished rubber, which often occurs when a vehicle sits idle. During a test drive, listen for suspension clunks or knocks and ensure there are no fluid leaks from perished seals. Finally, verify the condition of the timing belt or chain and water pump, as these components can fail due to age and rubber degradation even if the mileage remains low.