2006 Mazda B Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mazda B Series?

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

• Chassis rust or damage5.9× usual
  Mazda B Series

  16.6% All 2006 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Rear fog light6.8× usual
  Mazda B Series

  8.2% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 1.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Mazda B Series

  14.8% All 2006 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 3.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Windscreen2.2× usual
  Mazda B Series

  8.4% All 2006 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2006 Mazda B Series MOT failures and advisories

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

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Suspension
  35% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  25% 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.

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% 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 B Series

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2006 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2006 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?