Used Mazda Mazda6

What to know before buying: Mazda Mazda6

From 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2005 GG update brought a different five-speed automatic and an optional six-speed manual, while the engines remained unchanged.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY
• For 2007–2010 and 2012 GH cars, first-time roadworthiness pass rates were below the average for vehicles of the same year.[3]one sourceMazda 6 GH
• GJ inspection results are mixed: 2012 and 2014 cars were below average, while 2016 and 2017 cars were above it.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL
• No systemic defect is reported for the six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic, but an oil change and operating check are advised at high mileage.[2][3]Mazda 6 GJ/GL

Typical faults

• GG and GH cars are prone to corrosion, especially around arches, sills and door bottoms. On the GG, the floor, chassis rails and firewall may also rust.[1][2][3]Mazda 6 GG/GYMazda 6 GH
• Oil consumption of 0.3–0.5 l/1,000 km is not considered normal for GG MZR petrol engines; valve-stem seals and, in severe cases, piston rings may need replacement.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY

  MZR 1.8, MZR 2.0, MZR 2.3

• On the GG four-speed and post-facelift five-speed automatics, the rear-cover PTFE sealing rings are a weak point; repair is indicated at roughly 150,000–180,000 km.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY

  150 000–180 000 km

• On the GH 2.2 diesel, DPF regeneration can dilute the oil with fuel; leaking injector seals and soot-clogged turbo and oil pickup are also reported.[3]one sourceMazda 6 GH

  MZR-CD 2.2

• Early GJ 2.2 Skyactiv-D engines have documented camshaft wear associated with oil contamination and the effects of DPF regeneration.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL

  Skyactiv-D 2.2

• On GJ cars built in 2017–2020, a defective low-pressure fuel pump can stop the engine; the recall remedy is dealer replacement of the pump.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL

  2017–2020

• On GJ cars built in 2012–2018, incorrect intake-shutter software can cause soot accumulation and engine failure.[2][3]Mazda 6 GJ/GL

  2012–2018

Which engine and version to take

• For the GG, the source rates the naturally aspirated 1.8, 2.0 and 2.3 MZR petrol engines as good choices if oil changes were timely, radiators are clean and there are no leaks.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY
• The source's comparison lists fewer risks for the GH 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 MZR petrol engines than for the MZR-CD diesels.[3]one sourceMazda 6 GH
• The source's comparison lists fewer risks for GJ 2.0 and 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol versions than for the 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL

What to avoid

• The source advises against the GG MPS 2.3 turbo: the turbo may leak oil before 100,000 km, direct injection is costly, pistons coke up and the chain lasts less than on naturally aspirated engines.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY
• The GH 2.2 MZR-CD is a riskier choice because of DPF and SCR, oil dilution, injector-seal and soot-related problems.[3]one sourceMazda 6 GH
• Approach the GJ 2.2 Skyactiv-D with particular caution because of camshaft wear, DPF regeneration and oil-dilution risks.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL

What to check at the inspection

• On GG and GH cars, inspect rear arches, sills, door bottoms and underside; on the GG also check the floor, chassis rails, firewall and VIN area beneath the front passenger seat.[1][2][3]Mazda 6 GG/GYMazda 6 GH
• On a manual GG, check reverse engagement, clutch operation and hydraulic leaks; inspect the driveshaft support bearing with the car raised.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY
• On the GG, check ball joints, steering-rack knocks, seized calipers and corroded or leaking brake pipes near the rear subframe.[1]one sourceMazda 6 GG/GY
• On a GH 2.2 diesel, check whether oil is above the “X” mark, read DPF data and injector corrections, and verify the service-campaign record.[3]one sourceMazda 6 GH
• On a GJ 2.2 Skyactiv-D, check cold-engine operation, oil level, DPF loading and regeneration history through diagnostics.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL
• On a very high-mileage GJ with Skyactiv-Drive, assess shifting and noises and scan the fault memory.[2]one sourceMazda 6 GJ/GL

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]autoskeptic.ru — Типичные поломки Mazda 6 GG (2002 - 2007) с пробегом · press
2. [2]autoradars.lv — Mazda Mazda 6 GJ (2012+): problems and risks | AutoRadars.lv · press
3. [3]autoradars.lv — Mazda Mazda 6 GH (2007 - 2013): problems and risks · press

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