2007 Mazda 5 2.0L Petrol · FV07 EHR

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile characterized by recurring mechanical failures and a lack of consistent preventative upkeep. While the most recent test on 25 May 2023 at 68,117 miles resulted in a pass, the preceding failure just two days earlier at 68,095 miles indicates a pattern of neglecting basic consumables. The tester flagged multiple tyre tread depth issues, a worn anti-roll bar linkage, and braking system deficiencies including thin pads and pitted rear discs. The history shows a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive maintenance, with several tests failing on preventable items like wiper blades and washer fluid. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 2007 vehicle, averaging approximately 3,585 miles per year. This low usage is evident in the jump from 56,909 miles in January 2020 to 60,199 miles in March 2021, and subsequently to 63,665 miles in April 2022. While low mileage often suggests less mechanical wear, the MOT records indicate the car may suffer from the effects of infrequent use. For instance, the 2019 advisory for a binding offside rear brake and the 2023 reports of pitted brake discs suggest that components are oxidizing or seizing due to periods of inactivity. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and suspension components. The record shows repeated issues with brake pad thickness, disc condition, and parking brake efficiency across multiple years, specifically in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2023. The suspension requires close scrutiny, as the vehicle has a history of failed anti-roll bar linkages, leaking shock absorbers, and a fractured rear coil spring in January 2020. Given the previous failure regarding an electronic stability control warning lamp in March 2021, an electronic diagnostic check is also advisable to ensure no latent sensor or module faults remain. Finally, the exhaust system warrants attention. The January 2020 failure identified a major exhaust leak, an insecure silencer, and an incorrect Lambda reading. Although the vehicle passed subsequent tests, the combination of exhaust issues and low annual mileage suggests the integrity of the emissions system and mounting hardware should be verified to ensure no further corrosion or structural degradation has occurred.