2007 Mazda 5 2.0L Petrol · KV07 RMA

A pattern of chronic corrosion across both the body structure and suspension components, combined with a recurring engine management warning, defines the mechanical trajectory of this Mazda 5. The 2025-01-11 test recorded a pass alongside an inoperative registration plate lamp, but the advisories were the more telling element: integral body structure corrosion, rear subframe mounting area corrosion, corroded rear suspension arms, and sill covers that obscured inspection of the sill itself. The advisories on the earlier 2024-01-16 pass referenced similar body corrosion, suggesting this is a long-running condition that has not been rectified between tests. Compounding matters, the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) has appeared as a major failure on three separate occasions, the 2024-12-30 and 2025-01-11 tests both flagging the lamp as inoperative or indicating a malfunction, which raises a question of whether the underlying fault has been resolved or merely cleared before each retest. The 2024-01-10 test added a dangerous failure for front brake pads below 1.5mm and a major failure for a leaking rear shock absorber, both safety-critical items that speak to consumable wear at the higher end of the vehicle's life. At 145,387 recorded miles over approximately 19 years, the average annual mileage of around 7,650 miles is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, neither suggesting extended periods off the road nor exceptionally heavy use. The MOT record spans back consistently to at least 2022, with annual tests completed in January of each year, indicating the car has remained in active use throughout this period. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than concentrated, meaning wear on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain is consistent with normal accumulation rather than the harsh stress of high annual mileage. However, the test gaps between 2023 and 2024, and again into 2025, also show that the car has been brought in for repeated retests within days of failures, which is typical when a vehicle is being kept on the road through a pattern of running repairs rather than comprehensive restoration. For a prospective buyer, the corrosion advisories warrant particularly close physical inspection. The integral body structure corrosion flagged in 2023, 2024, and 2025, alongside the rear subframe mounting area corrosion and the corroded rear suspension arms, suggests the underside of this vehicle should be examined on a ramp. Pay specific attention to the rear subframe mounting points, looking for any flaking, perforation, or distortion around bolt heads, and check the rear suspension arms for surface scaling versus through-section metal loss. The fact that sill covers are fitted and prevented the tester from confirming sill condition is itself a red flag; ask the seller to remove them for inspection, or factor in the cost of potential hidden corrosion work. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly single-speed bumps, as corroded arms and bushes can move where they should be fixed. The brake, exhaust, and engine management faults flagged in earlier tests also require targeted verification. The dangerous front brake pad failure in January 2024 means the discs and calipers should be inspected for wear, scoring, or binding, and a firm pedal feel without judder under braking should be confirmed. The rear shock absorber fluid leak noted at the same test means the rear dampers should be checked for residual seepage and the car should not continue to wallow or float over undulations. The exhaust system, which carried a major leak failure in January 2023 and an advisory in January 2022, should be checked for blowing joints, hissing under load, and rattles on the overrun. Finally, the recurring MIL fault, which has caused three major failures in just over a year, demands a pre-purchase diagnostic read of any stored fault codes; a lamp that illuminates only at certain engine operating conditions, such as under load or at temperature, may not appear on a short test drive, so ask the seller to demonstrate the lamp operates correctly and have the codes professionally interpreted before committing to a purchase.