2010 Mazda 6 1.8L Petrol · WM59 AVB

A pattern of corrosion-related advisories, particularly around the rear underbody and subframe, defines the mechanical profile of this 2010 Mazda 6, with the record showing a broadly stable but ageing condition rather than acute deterioration. The most recent test on 26 January 2026 returned a pass with advisories, which is consistent with the trajectory seen across recent years: a pass in January 2025, a fail on the same date for a nearside front position lamp not working alongside the same suspension underseal advisory, and clean passes in 2024 and 2023. The recurring mention of underseal masking suspension parts on both the 2025 test attempts is a notable concern, as it prevents proper visual confirmation of components such as bushes, arms, and mounting points, and combined with the 2024 advisory noting rear subframe corrosion and the 2023 advisory flagging underbody corrosion, points to a vehicle where the chassis and suspension environment are steadily oxidising. A minor failure was also recorded in 2023 for a deteriorated nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover, which although not an immediate failure point, leaves the joint itself vulnerable to water and grit ingress and accelerated wear. With 131,885 miles recorded over 16 years, this Mazda 6 has averaged roughly 8,243 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal band for its age and indicates a car that has been used consistently rather than left dormant. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history that would point to prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage accumulation appears even and steady. From a mechanical standpoint, this average annual usage is beneficial for components that suffer when a vehicle is left standing, such as the braking system, dampers, and battery, but it does mean that higher-mileage wear items including suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, engine mountings, clutch, and dual-mass flywheel (depending on transmission type) will have been subjected to prolonged cyclic loading. The steady usage pattern also explains why corrosion is beginning to surface on the underbody and subframe, as the vehicle has clearly been exposed to many winters of road salt and moisture. For a prospective buyer, the priorities on inspection should be focused on the suspension and underbody integrity that the MOT history has flagged. The underseal applied to various suspension components should be examined closely, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, to confirm that no active corrosion is hiding underneath and that there is no structural loss around wishbone mounting points, anti-roll bar drop links, or the rear subframe itself; a light tapping with a screwdriver or the edge of a coin around the rear subframe and rear suspension pickup points will help distinguish surface rust from perforating corrosion. On the road, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes or top mounts now that the ball joint dust cover has previously been recorded as deteriorated, and pay particular attention to any wandering or lack of precision in the steering, as worn front suspension components on this generation of Mazda 6 can produce vague handling. The 2023 advisories for inner edge tyre wear on the nearside and offside fronts, plus the 2026 advisory repeating this on the nearside front, suggest that a wheel alignment check should be carried out, and any uneven or feathering wear on the inner or outer shoulders of the tyres at the point of purchase should be treated as confirmation that suspension or steering geometry components need further investigation. The braking and tyre condition noted at the most recent test also merits direct attention. The offside rear brake disc was recorded as worn, pitted, or scored, and while the tester deemed this not seriously weakened, it is an item that will progress and may soon require replacement, particularly given the vehicle's mileage. During a test drive, any vibration through the brake pedal, a pulsing sensation under sustained braking, or uneven stopping force pulling the car to one side would indicate that the discs have worn beyond acceptable limits and need skim replacement or renewal. The offside rear tyre was also flagged for slight cracking and perishing, and the nearside front was close to the legal limit, so a thorough check of all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking, and age-related hardening is worthwhile, as rubber compounds typically degrade after six to seven years regardless of mileage. Beyond these recorded items, it is sensible to verify the functionality of all exterior lighting, given the recent position lamp failure, and to inspect for any oil misting or seepage from the engine and transmission, particularly around the valve cover gasket and lower sump area, as higher-mileage Mazda 6 units of this era can develop minor oil leaks that, while not yet flagged on an MOT, are worth identifying before they progress.