2007 Mazda 5 1.8L Petrol · CF07 ATZ

The most recent MOT test on 11 June 2025 resulted in a failure, primarily due to lighting faults and a defective wiper blade. When evaluating the broader history, the maintenance trend appears to be declining. While the vehicle enjoyed several clean passes between 2019 and 2023, the last two years have seen a rise in failures relating to emissions, exhaust integrity, and electrical components. This suggests a shift from proactive maintenance to a reactive approach where defects are only addressed upon failing a mandatory test. The vehicle has covered 94,892 miles over approximately 19 years, averaging just under 5,000 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the national average for a vehicle of this age. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the internal engine components and drivetrain, it often indicates periods of prolonged standing. For a vehicle of this vintage, low usage can be as detrimental as high mileage, as it increases the risk of perished rubber components, seized brake calipers, and the degradation of fluids that should be changed based on time rather than distance. Particular attention must be paid to the exhaust system and emissions. The 2024 failure regarding Lambda readings and the accompanying advisories for exhaust corrosion and leaks suggest the system is deteriorating. During a test drive, listen for an excessive drone or rasping sound from the rear, which indicates a leak. The advisory regarding the brake pedal wearing smooth is a minor cosmetic point, but it serves as a reminder to check the overall braking performance. Ensure there is no shudder through the pedal and that the vehicle stops straight, as binding calipers are common in low-mileage vehicles that have sat idle. Given the low annual mileage, a physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation. Examine the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres often expire chronologically before the tread wears down. Check the 12V battery health and look for signs of corrosion on the brake discs, specifically pitting that could affect stopping power. Verify the service history to ensure that engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid have been replaced at regular calendar intervals regardless of the low mileage, as oxidized fluids can lead to internal engine sludge or brake system moisture contamination.