2006 Mazda BT-50: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mazda BT-50?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mazda BT-50 than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Chassis rust or damage7.1× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  19.8% All 2006 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  28.4% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, 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.

• Wheel bearings4.9× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  15.7% All 2006 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2006 Mazda BT-50 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Mazda BT-50 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  51% 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
  39% 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
  36% 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
  27% 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
  27% 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
  14% 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 BT-50

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 7.1× as often on the 2006 Mazda BT-50 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Mazda BT-50 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2006 Mazda BT-50 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?