2004 Mazda 6: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mazda 6?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mazda 6 than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.4× usual
  Mazda 6

  20.7% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.1%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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-frame2.8× usual
  Mazda 6

  14.4% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm3.5× usual
  Mazda 6

  12% All 2004 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3.3× usual
  Mazda 6

  9.9% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Mazda 6

  10.5% All 2004 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.8% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Mazda 6 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Mazda 6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  42% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  24% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% 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 2004 Mazda 6

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 3.4× as often on the 2004 Mazda 6 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2004 Mazda 6 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2004 Mazda 6 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?