2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · CX14 XDR

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 10 June 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which on the surface is an encouraging result for a prospective buyer. However, looking at the trend across the recent test history, the underlying pattern suggests a vehicle that is progressively accumulating age-related wear rather than improving in condition. The 2025 test picked up tyre perishing and surface corrosion advisories on subframes and suspension components, while the 2024 test noted wiper blade defects, pitted front brake discs, and slight play in both front anti-roll bar ball joints. The 2023 test flagged general suspension corrosion and worn front brake discs, and the 2021 test cycle included a significant Major failure for a fractured nearside rear coil spring alongside multiple advisories for corroded rear suspension arms and worn front lower suspension bushes. Taken together, this is a vehicle whose MOT record shows a consistent creep of corrosion and component wear, with the only genuinely clean tests being the 2020 pass and the most recent 2026 pass. The recurrence of similar advisory categories year on year is a clear signal that structural and chassis components are oxidising steadily and will likely require attention in the medium term. The recorded mileage of 26,400 miles over approximately 12 years equates to an average annual usage of around 2,200 miles, which is substantially below the national average and consistent with either a second or third household vehicle, or one that has spent extended periods standing between uses. While low mileage generally preserves major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch, it brings its own distinct set of mechanical concerns that are arguably more relevant here. Vehicles that are infrequently used tend to suffer from brake disc corrosion due to lack of regular application, oil seal drying and subsequent fluid leaks, coolant and brake fluid degradation through age rather than use, and accelerated corrosion of underbody components from moisture accumulation without the drying effect of regular driving. The mileage gap between the 2020 and 2021 tests and the relatively flat recorded mileages across multiple test years suggests this CX-5 has indeed spent long periods inactive, which correlates strongly with the recurring corrosion advisories visible throughout the MOT history. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection is essential given the advisory trail. The front brake discs have been flagged as pitted or scored across three separate tests from 2021 to 2024, indicating persistent low-use corrosion rather than friction wear, so the discs should be inspected for lipping, surface rust scoring, and any evidence of binding calipers that may have caused uneven pad transfer. Listen on the test drive for any brake shudder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm application, and check that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline since rear caliper mechanisms can seize on lightly used vehicles. The rear suspension arms were noted as corroded in 2021, with general subframe and suspension corrosion advisories continuing through 2025, so it would be prudent to jack the vehicle and visually inspect the rear trailing arms, front lower wishbones, and anti-roll bar linkages for any through-corrosion or cracking around mounting points. The fractured rear coil spring failure in 2021 should prompt a check of the opposite side nearside rear spring and both front springs, as springs weakened by corrosion pitting or fatigue tend to fail in matched locations, and a sagging ride height or clonking over bumps would indicate replacement is overdue. The slight play noted in both front anti-roll bar ball joints in 2024 should be rechecked, as worn drop links commonly produce a metallic rattle over uneven surfaces and may now require renewal. Beyond the advisories, the age and usage profile demands attention to items that MOT testing does not cover. The tyres were flagged for perishing in 2022 and 2025, and although the 2026 test was clean, a 12-year-old vehicle will have rubber compounds that harden regardless of tread depth, so all four tyres plus the spare should be examined for sidewall cracking, DOT date codes, and any bulging that indicates internal deterioration. The 12-volt battery is well beyond its typical four to five year service life and should be load tested, as a failing battery on an infrequently driven Mazda can cause erratic idle, infotainment glitches, and key fob recognition issues. Brake fluid should be changed regardless of MOT status since hygroscopic fluid degrades over calendar years and the fluid will be well past its two-year service interval, and the coolant should likewise be checked for condition and freeze point given its age. Engine oil on the dipstick should be inspected for milky residue suggesting seal or gasket failure from prolonged standing, and a service history should be verified to confirm that annual or biennial oil changes have actually been carried out despite the low mileage, as time-based oil degradation is just as harmful as mileage-based wear. Finally, given the standing-use pattern, the exhaust system should be examined for internal corrosion and the catalytic converter checked for condition, as moisture pooling in an unused exhaust can cause premature internal rusting and emissions deterioration.