Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Mazda Mazda6 MPS is known for (2005–2008), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Smell for fuel inside the car and boot, and look under the car around the tank for wet patches.
Why it matters: The Australian register records that improper installation of the fuel pump retaining rings can crack them and cause a fuel leak, and that a leak at the tank may result in an underbody fire. These are low-volume performance cars in NZ and often arrive as older Japanese imports with no campaign history.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen at a stone-cold start for ticking in the first seconds, then for a rattle at the engine front once warm.
Why it matters: Mazda extended warranty coverage for exactly these two noises on the L3T because the VVT rotor lock-pin hole wears or the VVT case breaks, and the timing chain stretches. That coverage window (7 years from the original warranty start date, or 70,000 miles) has closed on every car now in the NZ used market, so any car that still makes the noise is a chain and actuator job at the buyer's cost.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look under the front for oil weeping from the transfer case, and listen for a whine or clunk from the front.
Why it matters: A transfer case run low on leaked oil wears out and fails, and because the MPS used a unique, low-volume unit a replacement can be a long, costly repair with scarce parts. Oil wetness or drivetrain noise found now is far cheaper to deal with than a seized transfer case later.
What to look for: Shift firmly from first to second then lift off sharply and listen for a heavy thump from the rear.
Why it matters: Left alone the differential can move enough to damage the driveshaft or leave the car undrivable, and some owners have broken these bolts repeatedly, so the clunk test and a look at the mount are worth doing on every one of these AWD cars.
Got a question about a Mazda Mazda6 MPS? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.