2018 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · BX68 MBV

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 presents a stable and generally sound roadworthiness profile as of its most recent MOT on 20 August 2025 at 44,564 miles. The vehicle has consistently passed its annual tests, but the maintenance trend reveals a low-level, persistent issue rather than a clean bill of health. Since 2024, the tester has flagged the same advisory on both front suspension arm pins or bushes, noting they are worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement or cracking. This fault has persisted across two consecutive tests at 38,052 miles and 44,564 miles, indicating a component that is slowly degrading and will likely require replacement in the near term to prevent deterioration into a dangerous condition. The presence of undertrays fitted across multiple tests suggests the owner has been attentive to basic underbody protection, yet the recurring suspension wear points to a component that has not been proactively replaced. The mileage accumulation of approximately 5,570 miles per year is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle, which often implies short journeys or extended periods of inactivity. Looking at the chronological intervals, the car covered 8,267 miles between August 2021 and August 2022, then 6,186 miles to August 2023, and 5,634 miles to August 2024, before jumping to 6,512 miles in the final year leading to August 2025. This pattern shows a relatively steady but light usage profile, with a slight uptick in the most recent year. The low annual mileage is a double-edged sword; while it limits overall mechanical wear, it can lead to premature deterioration of rubber suspension bushes and seals due to lack of regular flexing and heat cycling. The 2023 test flagged both front tyres worn close to the legal limit, which at a relatively low 32,418 miles suggests either aggressive driving, poor wheel alignment, or the tyres perishing from age and standing rather than high-mileage use. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and undercarriage. The repeated advisory regarding the nearside and offside front suspension arm pin or bush demands a close visual check for cracking rubber, perished bushings, and any play that may have worsened since the August 2025 pass. Have a mechanic put the vehicle on a ramp to inspect the inner bushings and ball joints, as undertrays can conceal corrosion on subframes and suspension mounting points, a common issue on vehicles that stand for long periods. Check the date codes on all tyres, as a car doing short trips may still be running on tyres that are legally compliant but dangerously aged. Inspect the brake discs and calipers for surface corrosion and binding, which frequently afflicts low-mileage vehicles that do not generate enough heat to keep components clean. Finally, examine the exhaust system and catalytic converter for signs of condensation corrosion, a typical consequence of short journeys where the exhaust never reaches full operating temperature.