2015 Mazda 5 1.6L Diesel · DP64 LWH

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 October 2025, was a pass but returned advisories concerning the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal tread limit and the off‑side rear tyre showing edge wear and signs of perishing. Earlier in the record a dangerous failure was recorded in December 2021 for exposed tyre cords on both front wheels, and subsequent tests have shown a pattern of recurring tyre‑wear advisories together with occasional suspension and brake‑pad warnings. Overall the maintenance trend is mixed: the vehicle has avoided outright failures since 2021, yet the persistence of tyre‑related advisories and a noted ball‑joint play in 2022 indicate that wear items are not being fully addressed and could be worsening if left unattended. At 88 229 miles on a 2015 build the average annual mileage works out at roughly 8 000 mi per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious large mileage gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, but the concentration of tyre‑wear advisories on the off‑side side may hint at either a slight alignment bias, uneven loading, or a driving style that favours that side. The modest mileage does not preclude age‑related degradation, particularly for rubber components, suspension bushings and fluid integrity, which tend to deteriorate on a calendar basis as well as with distance. A prospective buyer should give the tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for tread depth below 1.6 mm, cracked sidewalls, dry rot or any bulges, especially on the off‑side front and rear where the MOT notes perishing. During a test drive listen for thumping or a hollow clunk when cornering or passing over bumps, which would confirm the slight play reported on the off‑side front ball joint and could indicate worn suspension arm bushes or a deteriorating ball joint that may soon require replacement. Check the rear brake pads for remaining thickness; the 2022 advisory about thin pads suggests they may be approaching the minimum limit, and any pulsation or shudder under braking would point to uneven pad wear or glazed discs that might need resurfacing or replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, also verify the condition of time‑sensitive items. Inspect the 12 V battery for corrosion on terminals and test its cranking voltage, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity even with low mileage. Examine the engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks – oil, coolant, brake fluid or power‑steering – and confirm that the last oil change and other service intervals were recorded in the service book, as fluids can break down after several years regardless of distance travelled. Finally, look for rust on the wheel arches, chassis rails and under‑body panels, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary, and ensure that any rust is superficial rather than structural. Addressing the tyre, suspension and brake concerns now will help avoid costly corrective work shortly after purchase.