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We are looking at buying a 2006 Mazda MPV (new shape,non turbo) that has done 86,000km (AA certified). The dealer has informed us that as a new import the car has passed all tests/certifications and has a new WOF but had to have 2 engine mounts replaced to get this. Is it a common problem with these particular vehicles? Why would a car of this age and mileage need to have these engine mounts replaced? We are meant to be travelling to Auckland to view the car and it is ringing alarm bells with my husband!!

At this mileage I would have expected the engine mountings to be fine but these things unfortunately can happen and this might be an indication of how the vehicle has been treated by the previous owner.

I can understand your husband's concern but there are numerous possibilities to how the mounting could have been damaged.

I suggest you have a AA pre-purchase inspectioncarried out to give you a better idea of the condition of the vehicle before you commit to the purchase.

In a way this is also a good thing as you now know that you have new engine mountings that shouldn't need replacing anytime soon.

The vehicle might have passed the Entry Compliance that confirms the standards the vehicle is built to meets the NZ standards (such as exhaust emissions and frontal impact standards) and passed a WOF that confirms it is safe to use on the roads but these inspections do not confirm the condition of the vehicle.