2012 Mazda 6 2.0L Petrol · YC12 AYG

The most recent MOT on 11 May 2026 was a pass, albeit with several advisories relating to oil leakage, corrosion of the front sub‑frame and rear coil‑spring mounting points. Over the past two‑year span the vehicle has moved from a failed result in September 2024 (due to a defective registration‑plate lamp, inadequate washer fluid and a repeat of the corrosion advisories) to a clean pass in June 2025, before returning to a pass with only non‑critical advisories in 2026. This pattern suggests that the major safety‑related faults – notably the parking‑brake failure recorded in May 2025 – have been addressed, while the underlying corrosion and minor wear items are persisting but remain within acceptable limits for MOT clearance. Overall the maintenance trend appears to be stabilising rather than deteriorating, provided the owner continues to monitor the recurring corrosion points. At 115,595 mi the car averages roughly 8,300 mi per annum, which is typical for a fourteen‑year‑old Mazda 6. The mileage record shows no periods of unusually high annual use that would accelerate wear of high‑stress components such as the gearbox or suspension, nor does it reveal long stretches of inactivity that might have allowed tyre side‑wall perishing or battery sulphation. The steady, moderate mileage means that consumables are likely to be near the middle of their service life, but the age of the vehicle means calendar‑based degradation – especially of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone sub‑frames – must be taken into account. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the corrosion noted on both front and rear sub‑frames and on the rear coil‑spring mounting brackets. Visually inspect the underside for any rust that has progressed beyond surface pitting, especially around mounting bolts and suspension mounting points; any flaking or deep pitting could compromise structural rigidity. During a test drive listen for clunking or excessive vibration when traversing bumps, which would indicate worn bushings or loosened anti‑roll‑bar ball joints – the MOT record already flags slight play on both front and rear anti‑roll‑bar linkages. Verify that the parking brake now operates firmly on both wheels, as the previous major failure could have been remedied by adjusting the cable or replacing the rear drum shoes; a weak or uneven pull will be felt as a gradual loss of braking force when the lever is applied. The oil‑leak advisory should be traced to its source – a valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil pan – and the leak should be quantified; even a modest drip can lead to oil starvation of the timing chain or cause sludge buildup if left unchecked. Finally, conduct the usual age‑related checks: examine tyre tread depth and side‑wall condition for cracking or dry rot, as tyres older than six years can fail regardless of tread wear. Test the 12 V battery voltage and, if possible, perform a load test, since a vehicle of this age may have diminished cranking power. Ensure that all exterior lamps, including the registration‑plate lamp, function correctly and that the washer system delivers a steady spray – both items were previously flagged. Confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and brake fluid replacements at roughly two‑year intervals; if the records are missing, anticipate a brake‑fluid bleed and a coolant system flush as part of immediate maintenance. By addressing these points the buyer can mitigate the lingering corrosion issues and ensure the car remains reliable and road‑worthy for the foreseeable future.