2009 Mazda 5 1.8L Petrol · AM58 TOU

The most recent MOT test on the 2009 Mazda 5 was conducted on 2025-09-18, resulting in a passing outcome. Despite this, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring and escalating mechanical issues, particularly in the suspension and drivetrain components. The most critical failures—such as excessively worn ball joints in the front and rear anti-roll bar linkages, along with deteriorating constant velocity boot seals—have been documented multiple times, indicating either a lack of timely maintenance or inherent wear progression from prolonged use. The presence of multiple advisories related to tyre wear close to legal limits further suggests that the vehicle has either been driven at high speeds or subjected to uneven loading, which accelerates tyre degradation. While the 2025 test was clean, the prior failures and advisories suggest that the vehicle’s maintenance history has been inconsistent, with some components reaching critical failure points before being addressed. The recorded mileage of 95,549 miles for a vehicle aged 17 years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,621 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage can stem from infrequent use, long periods of inactivity, or operational constraints such as fuel costs or environmental considerations. However, this usage profile may mask underlying issues that arise from prolonged standing or neglect. For instance, standing vehicles can lead to brake system corrosion, particularly if the discs or calipers remain wet or exposed to moisture, potentially causing binding or reduced braking efficiency. Additionally, fluid degradation over time—such as in the hydraulic brake system, coolant, or differential fluid—can accelerate wear on seals, bearings, and other components, even if mileage is low. The absence of recent high-mileage accumulation does not guarantee structural integrity or internal component health, so a thorough inspection is essential to identify any hidden wear or degradation from static conditions. Given the vehicle’s history of recurring suspension and drivetrain failures, the prospective buyer should prioritise a detailed mechanical inspection to assess the condition of the following critical components: the front and rear suspension ball joints, anti-roll bar linkages, and constant velocity joints, as well as their associated seals and bushings. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the suspension, particularly when navigating bumps or corners, which may indicate worn or broken suspension linkages. Uneven tyre wear patterns, especially on the edges of the front tyres, align with the DVSA advisories and could suggest misalignment or camber issues, warranting a check of wheel alignment and suspension geometry. Additionally, inspect the brake system for signs of binding calipers, corrosion on discs, or excessive heat discolouration, as standing vehicles can exacerbate these issues. The nearside front drive shaft CV boots have been severely deteriorated in past MOTs, so test for excessive play or whining in the drivetrain when accelerating or decelerating, which could indicate a failing joint or damaged seals. For practical checks beyond the MOT history, the buyer should examine the vehicle’s tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is common in older vehicles due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. Check the tyre tread depth for uniformity and signs of uneven wear, as this can indicate alignment or suspension issues that may have been overlooked. Inspect the battery terminals and cables for corrosion or loose connections, as a failing 12V battery can lead to electrical gremlins and affect the windscreen wiper functionality, which was a major failure in 2024. The coolant system should be checked for leaks or contamination, as prolonged standing can cause overheating risks if fluid levels or quality are compromised. Finally, verify that the service book or maintenance records are up to date, particularly for time-based servicing such as brake fluid flushes, which are critical for maintaining hydraulic pressure and preventing moisture-induced corrosion. If the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, consider a thorough fluid top-up and a check for any standing corrosion on the chassis or undercarriage, especially around the wheel arches and exhaust system.