2013 Mazda 5 1.6L Diesel · GF62 OEN

The MOT record for this Mazda 5 demonstrates a mixed roadworthiness trend with recurring mechanical intervention required to secure a pass. In the most recent test on July 17, 2024, at an unspecified mileage that follows the 2023 trajectory, the vehicle ultimately secured a pass after failing twice on the same day for a dangerous exhaust leak pumping fumes into the cabin and a degraded anti-roll bar dust cover. While the vehicle cleared these hurdles, the tester issued persistent advisories regarding worn trailing arm bushes and localized corrosion on the rear suspension component mountings. These items indicate that the vehicle requires proactive chassis maintenance rather than simple cosmetic upkeep. Accumulating 118,617 miles over its thirteen-year lifespan places this Mazda at an average of roughly 9,124 miles driven per year, reflecting typical domestic use. The testing cadence shows consistent annual inspections undertaken every July. The July 2023 test required a pass following a failure for a severely leaking offside front shock absorber, alongside advisories noting minor sidewall damage to the offside front tyre, outer edge wear on the nearside front tyre, and front inner anti-roll bar bush wear. This history shows that previous owners addressed major structural and fluid leaks under test pressure, yet permitted consumable suspension components to degrade gradually across multiple test cycles. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension assembly, specifically examining the trailing arm bushes and the structural prescribed areas noted for corrosion. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joints on both the front and rear axles warrant close scrutiny to determine if the advisory play has escalated into excessive movement requiring joint replacement. Mechanics should also verify the integrity of the exhaust system to ensure the cabin fume issue remains fully resolved, while checking the front shock absorbers and tyre sidewalls for any lingering neglect.