2018 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · LF67 OMU

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 9 March 2026 was recorded as a pass with no defects or advisories, which on the surface is a positive outcome for a prospective buyer. However, examining the broader history reveals a maintenance trend that warrants careful attention rather than complacency. The 2024 test record shows a particularly concerning entry where the vehicle failed on a dangerous defect, specifically front brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, accompanied by an advisory noting an engine oil leak. Although the immediately subsequent test passed cleanly and the 2026 test also shows no recorded issues, the recurrence of brake-related advisories, with a near-side rear brake pad wearing thin flagged in March 2025, suggests that braking system maintenance has been required repeatedly over a short period. A buyer should therefore not assume the braking system is currently in optimum condition simply because the latest test is clean, as the pattern indicates a vehicle that may benefit from proactive inspection and component replacement. With approximately 66,227 miles recorded over eight years, the Mazda CX-5 has covered roughly 8,278 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of this age and class. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears steady and consistent, with no dramatic gaps suggesting long periods of standing or unusually high accumulation that might indicate motorway fleet use. This average annual mileage implies that mechanical components such as the clutch, drivetrain, suspension, and engine internals have experienced a moderate, steady workload rather than the extremes that often accelerate wear. That said, even average-mileage vehicles approaching eight years of service will naturally be approaching or exceeding the expected lifespan of certain consumables, and the historical brake wear advisories already confirm that pad material has been depleting at a rate consistent with regular road use. Given the recorded brake pad wear at both the front and rear axles within the testing window, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection of the entire braking system, even though no defects were noted at the most recent test. Brake discs should be examined for lipping, scoring, or corrosion around the outer edges, particularly as the rear brake components were flagged as wearing thin. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or squeaking noises under light or moderate braking, and pay attention to any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal, which could indicate warped discs or uneven pad deposition. The brake fluid should be checked for age and condition, as moisture absorption degrades performance over time regardless of mileage, and a fluid service may be due given the calendar age of the vehicle. Additionally, the engine oil leak advisory from 2024 should not be dismissed; inspect the underside and engine bay for fresh oil residue, paying particular attention to the valve cover gasket, sump plug, and any seal areas, and monitor oil level between services to ensure no significant consumption is occurring. Beyond the braking system and engine sealing, several age-related inspection points merit attention on a CX-5 of this vintage and mileage. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing, an issue explicitly flagged on the offside front in March 2025, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age as much as with use. Check the production date stamps on all four tyres to ensure they are not excessively old, and verify that the tread depth is consistent across the axle, as uneven wear may point to suspension geometry issues or alignment drift. Inspect all suspension components including coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and bushes for any signs of corrosion, cracking, or play, as original Mazda suspension parts commonly show wear at this mileage. The 12V battery should be tested for state of health, as batteries typically require replacement within five to seven years, and confirm that the service book contains regular stamps at appropriate intervals. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, check for any coolant leaks from the radiator or hoses, and verify that all warning lights extinguish promptly on ignition, ensuring the vehicle is mechanically sound before purchase.