2006 Mazda 2 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mazda 2 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mazda 2 petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Mazda 2

  26.3% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.5% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual
  Mazda 2

  9.5% All 2006 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Steering swivel joints3.7× usual
  Mazda 2

  4.4% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Corroded fuel pipes3.9× usual
  Mazda 2

  2.7% All 2006 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2006 Mazda 2 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Mazda 2 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  35% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Mazda 2 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Mazda 2 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Mazda 2 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2006 Mazda 2 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?