2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · FH13 RYR

This thirteen-year-old Mazda CX-5 presents a remarkably clean and consistent MOT profile, with no advisories or defects recorded across the last three tests on file. The most recent assessment on 12 September 2023 resulted in a pass with a fully clean sheet, continuing a trend of straightforward roadworthiness established since at least 2021. The pattern shows two passes and two failures on the same dates in 2021 and 2022, which typically indicates that minor issues were identified, rectified off-site, and the vehicle immediately retested to a pass standard rather than reflecting any chronic mechanical defects. With no recorded advisories at all, there is no documented evidence of emerging wear on consumables, corrosion, or structural components that an inspector felt warranted commentary at the time of testing. Against an average annual mileage of roughly 7,471 miles per year, this CX-5 sits squarely within the typical usage band for its age, suggesting neither prolonged periods of standing nor excessive high-mileage wear on the drivetrain. The annual accumulation has been steady enough to keep seals, lubricants, and brake systems regularly exercised, which is generally favourable for preventing issues such as seized calipers, dried-out suspension bushes, or moisture accumulation in the braking system. At 97,124 miles, the vehicle is approaching a point where some major service items, including timing chain components on the diesel variants or potential clutch wear on manual petrol versions, may begin to demand attention, though nothing in the MOT history points towards premature failure of these components. Given the absence of any flagged suspension components, brake pipes, or corrosion advisories, a prospective buyer should focus their pre-purchase inspection on areas that typically affect higher-mileage CX-5s but which may not have yet reached advisory threshold. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven roads or speed bumps, particularly from the lower wishbone bushes and front anti-roll bar drop links, which are known wear items on this chassis. Check for vibration or pulling through the steering wheel under braking, which can indicate warped front discs, and feel for any excessive play or stiffness when turning lock to lock, which might suggest worn power steering rack mounts or failing electric PAS components. Underneath the vehicle, a thorough examination with a torch and ideally a ramp is strongly recommended to look for any signs of oil seepage from the engine sump, valve cover gasket, or rear main seal, all of which become more common beyond the 80,000-mile mark. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, as original equipment cat-back systems on early CX-5s can suffer internal failure. Finally, verify that the braking system feels firm and progressive without any judder or pulling, examine the coolant and oil levels for any signs of mixing or creamy residues under the oil filler cap, and confirm the operation of the handbrake on an incline, as rear caliper mechanisms on this model can become sluggish if the vehicle has seen infrequent use. Despite the spotless MOT record, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent Mazda specialist remains the prudent final step before committing to a purchase.