2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Auto 2.0L Petrol · BX22 XKA

The MOT history for this 2022 Mazda CX-5 presents an exceptionally sparse mechanical record, with only two tests documented across the vehicle's lifespan to date. Both tests, the most recent on 6 February 2026 and the prior on 12 February 2025, resulted in pass certificates and contained identical advisories noting that undertrays are fitted, obscuring certain components from full inspection rather than identifying specific wear or defects. The absence of any recorded failures, advisory items relating to brake wear, suspension deterioration, corrosion, tyre condition, or exhaust integrity indicates a roadworthiness pattern that has not yet surfaced any flagged concerns during official testing. However, it is important to recognise that the limited number of test entries means this dataset is narrow rather than comprehensively reassuring, and the undertray advisory in particular signals that certain underbody components have not been visually verified by the examiner. The stable outcome year on year suggests no deterioration trend has been formally identified, though only a small sample of tests exists from which to draw that conclusion. Recorded mileage stands at 23,215 miles across an approximate four-year ownership period, equating to around 5,800 miles annually. This is a notably low accumulation rate for a vehicle of this age, particularly given that the Mazda CX-5 is typically used as a family or utility SUV where higher mileages are common. Such restrained usage reduces wear on major drivetrain and chassis components but introduces a separate mechanical consideration: prolonged standing periods between shorter journeys can accelerate certain forms of degradation, particularly affecting the 12V battery, brake discs through surface corrosion from infrequent use, tyre sidewalls through flex cracking, and engine oil through condensation and fuel dilution during short running cycles. The mileage progression between the two recorded tests is also worth scrutiny for consistency, and any unusually large gap between annual accumulations should prompt questioning of how and where the vehicle has been used. For a prospective buyer, the most practical starting point is a thorough physical inspection of the items the MOT examiner could not fully see due to the fitted undertrays. The undertray itself should be removed or at least loosened during any pre-purchase inspection to allow direct visual access to the engine sump, transmission housing, front subframe, suspension arms, anti-roll bar links, brake lines, and exhaust downpipe and catalytic converter, as corrosion on steel underbody components is one of the more common failure points on Mazda SUVs approaching the four to five year mark. With the undertrays removed, particular attention should be paid to the front lower suspension arms and bushes for any perishing or cracking, the brake discs for lip corrosion or pitting around the outer edge indicative of infrequent use, and any evidence of oil weepage from the engine or gearbox seals that would not normally be flagged if the undertray was masking residue. On a road test, the low annual mileage profile makes it worthwhile to listen and feel carefully for symptoms of standing-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear. Initial cold starts should be smooth without excessive diesel-type rattle or any hesitation, and the automatic transmission should select all gears cleanly without shunt or delay, which can indicate oil degradation from short-trip use. Brake pedal feel deserves close attention: an initially spongy or jerky pedal that firms up after the first few applications is characteristic of light surface corrosion on the discs and is common on low-mileage vehicles, but persistent judder under braking at speed may indicate more substantial disc distortion requiring machining or replacement. Steering should remain precise without knocks or clonks over uneven surfaces, and any fluid leaks appearing on the driveway after the test should be investigated promptly given the undertray obstruction that may have concealed early-stage seal failures on this otherwise lightly used vehicle.