2006 Mazda 6 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mazda 6 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mazda 6 diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.9× usual
  Mazda 6

  18.6% All 2006 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 2.3% 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.

• Sub-frame3.4× usual
  Mazda 6

  18% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Braking performance2.7× usual
  Mazda 6

  18.6% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint dust cover3.2× usual
  Mazda 6

  14.5% All 2006 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, 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.

• Suspension arm3.8× usual
  Mazda 6

  11.3% All 2006 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2006 Mazda 6 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Mazda 6 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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
  46% 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
  37% 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
  36% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  23% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Mazda 6 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2006 Mazda 6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2006 Mazda 6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Mazda 6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?