2007 Mazda 5 2.0L Petrol · AD07 FSO

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of escalating structural corrosion and deferred consumable replacements. The most recent test in March 2026 at 122,815 miles identified new play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and noted corroded exhaust components. While the car consistently passes, the persistent presence of corrosion across all suspension mounting points and the rear sub-frame indicates that the chassis integrity is entering a phase where surface-level rust may transition into structural failure if not monitored. At 19 years old, the recorded 122,815 miles represent a low annual usage pattern of approximately 6,400 miles per year. The data shows a consistent progression of mileage, with roughly 9,000 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 4,000 miles leading into the March 2026 inspection. However, the low mileage has not prevented the degradation of rubber and metal components, as evidenced by reports of perished tyres and leaking dampers despite the low distance traveled. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame and all suspension mounting areas, as these have been flagged for corrosion since at least 2024. The nearside front ball joint has progressed from a deteriorated dust cover in 2024 to actual play in 2026, suggesting mechanical wear is accelerating. Furthermore, the 2026 report notes all four tyres worn to the legal limit and thin rear brake pads, indicating a pattern of only addressing consumables when they reach failure thresholds rather than proactive maintenance. The misting on the nearside front shock absorber since 2022 suggests these components are nearing the end of their functional life.