1995 Mazda 2.5L Diesel · M108 CRV

The 2007 MAZDA presents a pattern of recurring mechanical advisories spanning nearly two decades, beginning with a failed test in March 2017 and followed by a series of partial passes through 2022 where the same class of component failures re-emerge. The latest MOT on 16 May 2022 confirmed continued presence of issues including worn front and rear suspension arm bushings, compromised anti-roll bar linkage bushings on both sides, a persistent oil leak to the engine compartment, and a minor exhaust gas leak at both centre and rear joints. While the vehicle managed to achieve passing marks in 2018, 2020, 2021, and again in 2022, the return of these specific defect categories demonstrates that the underlying problem areas have not been fully resolved, instead indicating a chronic rather than isolated fault pattern that requires attention during any ownership period. Regarding mileage, the recorded 164,109 miles placed at 19 years of age translates to approximately 8,637 miles per annum, which aligns with expected consumption for a vehicle of this vintage and does not appear anomalous on its own. However, examining the test history reveals gaps and clustering that offer insight into the vehicle's practical usage. The interval between the 2017 failure and the next successful test in early 2018 is notably short compared to the spacing seen elsewhere, while the subsequent five-year span from 2018 through 2022 shows steady progression of advisories rather than resolution. The sustained presence of suspension and chassis component warnings alongside the oil and exhaust concerns suggests either gradual degradation of these systems over the years or incomplete addressing of earlier faults, meaning the current mileage figure masks a cumulative wear burden that will continue to manifest under load. The suspension system warrants particular scrutiny given the documented wear on both side-front and side-rear suspension arm pins and inner wishbone bushes across multiple years. During a test drive, listen for any knocks or clunks as the vehicle encounters speed bumps or uneven pavement, particularly noting whether the front and rear suspension arms move independently or exhibit differential play—this would indicate ongoing bushing deterioration. The anti-roll bar linkages on both sides show repeated wear in the bearings and bushings; a vibration test while cornering or a visual inspection of the lower anti-roll bar mounts for cracks or looseness will help confirm whether the previously reported "worn but not resulting in excessive movement" descriptions have progressed toward functional impairment. Additionally, the persistent oil leak to the engine suggests a faulty seal or gasket that may require immediate repair, and the concurrent exhaust gas leakage at centre and rear joints could produce audible hissing or visible smoke at idle, especially under acceleration. The parking brake showing reduced reserve travel throughout much of the record also merits verification during the test drive, as a lack of sufficient braking force when applying the handbrake could affect safety performance. Buyers should plan for a thorough physical inspection of the four corner suspension bushings, both front and rear, to assess whether replacement is imminent given the documented tendency for progressive wear. A detailed examination of the anti-roll bar assembly on both sides is essential, focusing on the connection points to the control arms and the lower anti-roll bar itself for signs of fatigue or loosening that might cause handling irregularities. The exhaust system should be inspected for cracked joints or corroded flanges at the centre and rear sections, with attention paid to any abnormal noise or loss of power at higher revs. The oil leak location identified in the 2022 MOT report needs confirmation of the source and whether it originates from the engine block, cylinder head, or a pump unit, as repair complexity varies significantly. Finally, verifying the parking brake operation by applying the handbrake while the vehicle is stationary and moving gently will reveal whether the limited reserve travel persists or has been adequately corrected. Without direct observation of these specific failure modes, assuming the vehicle is merely "in good shape" despite passing MOTs would be misleading, as the recorded advisories point to components that can degrade further and compromise safety under real-world driving conditions.