2011 Mazda 5 1.6L Diesel · G4 OCC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred suspension and brake maintenance. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 97,852 miles passed, it returned with multiple advisories regarding thinning brake components and developing suspension play. This follows a significant failure in December 2024 where the car failed for worn bushes, ball joints, and illegal tyres, suggesting that the owner only addresses mechanical faults once they reach a point of failure. At 97,852 miles, this 15-year-old Mazda averages approximately 6,500 miles per year, which is consistent with typical family car usage. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with roughly 9,500 miles covered between December 2024 and November 2025. However, the low annual mileage has not protected the vehicle from age-related degradation, as evidenced by the recurring issues with the inner vehicle structure and the wear of rubber suspension components which often perish due to time and environmental exposure rather than just distance driven. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the inner sills, as the 2025 test flagged corrosion on both the nearside and offside inner structures. Although the tester noted structural rigidity was not yet significantly reduced, corrosion on these Mazdas tends to progress rapidly once surface rust appears. Furthermore, the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage has shown a history of play since May 2023, evolving from slight play to a failure in late 2024, indicating that the suspension geometry is in a state of flux. The front braking system is also nearing the end of its service life, with the 2025 record noting 5mm pads and worn discs. Any prospective buyer should check for uneven wear or binding calipers, which often accompany the type of suspension issues seen in this history. Given the previous failure for lower suspension arm bushes and ball joints, a road test to check for knocks or steering instability is essential to ensure the repairs made after 2024 were executed effectively.