2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · LO14 XTL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than proactive prevention. The most recent test in September 2025 at 148,910 miles identified a severe deterioration of the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. While the car passed this latest inspection, the recurring nature of suspension and tyre-related faults suggests that components are only addressed once they reach a point of failure or legal limit. At 12 years old, this 2014 CX-5 has averaged approximately 12,400 miles per year, which sits above the UK national average for older vehicles. This consistent usage places significant strain on mechanical components and structural elements. Between August 2023 at 135,099 miles and August 2024 at 144,984 miles, the vehicle covered nearly 10,000 miles in a year. This high rate of accumulation explains the accelerated wear observed on the braking system and suspension arms. A buyer must conduct a thorough in-person inspection of the suspension geometry and structural integrity. The August 2024 failure highlighted corrosion on both the nearside and offside rear suspension arms; although noted as not seriously weakened at the time, corrosion on high-mileage vehicles often spreads to mounting points and subframes. Furthermore, the 2023 report of play in the offside front track rod end and thinning rear brake pads indicates that the steering and braking assemblies are frequently reaching the end of their service life simultaneously. The MOT history also reveals a pattern of neglecting basic consumables, evidenced by multiple advisories for tyres worn to the legal limit and a specific failure for an offside front tyre below 1.6mm. The buyer should check for uneven tyre wear across all axles, which would indicate underlying alignment issues or worn bushings resulting from the high annual mileage. A detailed check of the exhaust system and any signs of deep corrosion on the underbody is essential given the vehicle's high-mileage profile and documented history of surface rust.