2014 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · BT14 ABV

A repeated pattern of steering and tyre wear advisories has been the defining mechanical thread across this Mazda CX-5's MOT history, with the most recent test on 16 July 2026 recording a clean pass but the preceding years exposing components that warrant close attention. The 2024 test flagged an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge in size 225/55x19, a presentation typically associated with misalignment, worn suspension geometry, or simply uneven shoulder wear from cornering. The 2025 cycle was more serious: a test the day before the recorded pass resulted in a failure with Major defects recorded against both nearside and offside track rod end ball joints for excessive play. Track rod ends are a critical steering linkage component, and play at both sides indicates the steering rack outer joints had worn beyond tolerance, a condition that would have caused an MOT refusal until rectified. The fact that the car then passed on the very next day suggests both track rod ends were replaced prior to re-test. Elsewhere, a 2023 failure cited an insecure nearside obligatory mirror and a 2021 test noted items removed from the driver's view prior to inspection, both minor administrative matters rather than mechanical deterioration. Recorded mileage of 65,836 miles across approximately 12 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,486 miles, which is well below average for a vehicle of this age and type. MOT test dates are evenly distributed at roughly annual intervals from 2021 through 2026, with no extended gaps suggesting long periods off the road, and there are no sudden mileage jumps between tests that would indicate clocking concerns or rapid accumulation. The combination of low annual mileage and regular annual testing suggests a vehicle that has been in consistent but light use, possibly covering shorter commuter journeys or irregular weekend driving. Mechanically, lower mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components but can accelerate degradation of items that suffer from underuse, such as brake discs corroding on the surface, dried rubber bushes, and perished seals. The 2025 steering failure is somewhat counterintuitive against a low-mileage profile, as ball joints typically wear progressively with use, though low mileage does not prevent ageing of rubber boots and grease-packed joints, which can deteriorate over time regardless of distance covered. For a prospective buyer, the steering geometry is the priority area for inspection following the 2025 track rod end replacement. Both track rod ends were renewed together, which is standard practice, but it is worth establishing whether the inner tie rods and the steering rack itself were inspected at the time, as excessive play in one joint often accompanies wear in adjacent components. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps or potholes, and feel for vagueness, wandering, or a reluctance to self-centre after cornering, all of which would suggest the steering rack or its mounting bushes are compromised. The offside front tyre edge wear noted in 2024 should prompt a check of the current four tyres for uneven shoulder wear patterns, and a four-wheel alignment measurement would confirm whether camber or toe settings are within tolerance. Inspect the front suspension turrets, subframe, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion given the vehicle's age, even though no corrosion advisories appear in the MOT record, as corrosion defects are often first identified during a pre-purchase inspection rather than at annual test. A thorough roadworthy inspection should also include a road test at moderate speed on a road with uneven surfacing to detect any knocking from the front suspension that would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, top mounts, or strut bearings, none of which were flagged but are common failure points on a 2014 CX-5. Check the offside front tyre in particular for inner shoulder wear, as edge wear on the 2024 advisory suggests camber or tracking issues that may have been resolved by the steering work in 2025 but could recur if geometry was not corrected at the time of the track rod replacement. Apply the brakes firmly from around 30 mph and feel for any judder or vibration through the pedal, which would indicate warped front discs, a common consequence of light use causing uneven pad transfer on the disc surface. Finally, verify that all dashboard warning lights, mirrors, and obligatory mirrors are correctly fitted and secure, as the 2023 mirror failure demonstrates that minor compliance items have previously been overlooked on this vehicle.