MAZDA 6 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,149 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
5,149
Avg Mileage
103,925 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2012 MAZDA 6 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 12 years old, 75% of MAZDA 6s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,149 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,925 miles.
How does the 2012 MAZDA 6 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 MAZDA 6 has 103,925 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 6?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. The 2012 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2012 MAZDA 6 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MAZDA 6?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 MAZDA 6
The 2012 MAZDA 6 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 5,149 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 103,925 miles at 12 years old, MAZDA 6 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 MAZDA 6 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 MAZDA 6?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA 6 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA 6s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 18 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 MAZDA 6
At 12 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%. With 5,149 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 MAZDA 6
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2013) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 132,292 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2013) 72% pass rate (-3%) from 84,989 tests
- MERCEDES C (2012) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 59,235 tests
- MINI MINI (2010) 80% pass rate (+5%) from 59,218 tests