2018 MAZDA CX-52.0L PETROL

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 passed its most recent MOT on 26 March 2026 at 70,192 miles, but the record reveals a shift from a previously clean bill of health toward emerging wear and a minor structural concern. The trend is no longer stable. After three consecutive passes with zero defects between March 2022 and March 2024, the September 2025 test introduced an advisory for a severely deteriorated offside front outer CV joint gaiter, and the March 2026 test flagged both front and rear brake pads wearing thin. The gaiter deterioration is a notable development; once the constant velocity boot splits, grease ejects and contaminants ingress, accelerating joint wear and risking a clicking or vibration under load if left unresolved. The mileage accumulation sits at roughly 8,774 miles per year, which is typical for an eight-year-old vehicle and suggests consistent use rather than long periods of inactivity. The progression is steady and unremarkable, rising from 34,958 miles in March 2022 to 70,192 miles in March 2026, with no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes in the annual intervals. This pattern points to regular road use, meaning wear items such as brake pads, tyres, suspension bushes, and exhaust components will have experienced normal cyclic loading rather than standing corrosion. A buyer should prioritise a close physical inspection of the front drivetrain and braking system. The split offside front CV gaiter needs immediate replacement to prevent joint failure, and the advisories for thin front and rear brake pads suggest the next set of pads and discs is due imminently. Under covers have been fitted throughout the record, limiting the tester’s view of the underside; a ramp inspection is essential to examine the outer sills, subframes, and brake pipe runs for corrosion or damage. The rear brake wear, combined with the front, indicates the vehicle has been driven in a manner that loads the braking system evenly, but it also means a full set of pads and a disc condition check should be budgeted for. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and drop link condition should be assessed given the mileage, particularly any knocking or vague steering that could point to worn front lower arm bushes common on this generation CX-5.