Mazda 6 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,430 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel1998cc20 years old2,430 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1998cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

69% of MOT tests on Mazda 6s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 2,430 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,119 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models432nd of 554(bottom 23%)

Rank among Mazda models389th of 459(bottom 16%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average-4%(73% avg)

vs Mazda average-12%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,119

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Mazda 6 had 105,119 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. The 2006 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda 6 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	118	26,540 mi
2020	94%	1,786	31,783 mi
2019	91%	7,381	44,030 mi
2018	89%	5,151	55,840 mi
2017	87%	7,764	68,812 mi
2016	84%	11,771	78,854 mi
2015	82%	11,898	88,374 mi
2014	80%	11,144	97,838 mi
2013	80%	7,682	103,079 mi
2012	75%	5,149	103,925 mi
2011	74%	7,535	117,021 mi
2010	73%	9,673	121,783 mi
2009	73%	7,396	124,353 mi
2008	71%	6,498	124,138 mi
2007	68%	4,401	109,611 mi
2006	69%	2,430	105,119 mi
2005	64%	1,596	100,805 mi
2004	62%	763	99,968 mi
2003	63%	356	98,803 mi
2002	54%	140	98,087 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

+2%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

+3%

Audi A4

2008 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,227/year

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+9%

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About the 2006 Mazda 6

The 2006 Mazda 6 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,430 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 23% of 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 105,119 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 6 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 Mazda 6 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2006 Mazda 6?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Mazda 6 Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda 6s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 18 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 Mazda 6

At 20 years old, the Mazda 6 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 105k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2006 Mazda 6 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 6(2006)	69%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,427
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Vauxhall Astra(2007)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£214
Audi A4(2008)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2006 Mazda 6

Is the 2006 Mazda 6 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2006 Mazda 6s ended in a pass, from 2,430 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Mazda 6 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Mazda 6?

69% of 2,430 MOT tests on the 2006 Mazda 6 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 432nd of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom 23%).

Which year Mazda 6 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mazda 6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2002 the lowest at 54%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Mazda 6?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Mazda 6 is 105,119 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.