2016 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · CD63 CAL

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 January 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory that the front suspension arm pin or bush is worn, although it is not yet causing excessive movement. Over the past six years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring wear items – front track‑rod ball‑joint play, rear‑diff oil leakage and progressive suspension bush wear – punctuated by a single failure in February 2025 when the engine MIL indicator was inoperative. While none of these advisories have escalated to outright failures in the latest test, the frequency of similar suspension‑related advisories suggests a gradual deterioration rather than an improving trend, and the rear‑diff leak remains an unresolved concern. At 114,161 miles on a 2016 model the annualised mileage works out at roughly 11 400 miles per year, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope for a family SUV. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate prolonged periods of storage, so the wear on drivetrain and suspension components is consistent with the distance travelled. This level of use means that consumables such as tyres, brake pads, discs and bushings are likely approaching the latter stages of their service life and should be inspected closely for wear beyond the advisory limits noted in the MOT records. When you inspect the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front lower control‑arm bushings and the off‑side track‑rod ball joint; feel for any looseness or clunking when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and listen for metallic noises over bumps, which would indicate the bushings are near the end of their useful life. Examine the rear differential housing for any fresh oil stains on the under‑tray or the rear wheel arches, as the long‑standing leak could have led to reduced lubrication and eventual gear wear. Check all four tyres for tread depth and especially for edge wear that was flagged in 2024 and 2023; uneven wear may point to mis‑aligned suspension or worn bushings. Verify that the engine MIL light illuminates correctly and that there is no persistent warning on the dash, since the 2025 failure highlighted an intermittent fault. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect time‑sensitive items: confirm the 12 V battery terminals are clean and test the cranking voltage, as batteries over ten years often suffer from sulfation even with modest mileage. Look for corrosion on the chassis and underbody, particularly around the wheel arches and rear diff, which can be exacerbated by standing periods. Ensure that the brake discs are free of heavy rust and that the pads have sufficient material; any pulsation or shudder when braking could indicate warped discs or uneven pad wear. Finally, request evidence of recent oil, coolant and differential fluid changes – a full fluid service within the last 12 months is advisable, as fluids degrade with time irrespective of mileage. Addressing these points will give you a clear picture of the CX‑5’s current roadworthiness and the near‑term maintenance budget you may face.