2014 Mazda 5 1.6L Diesel · LO63 ORW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach rather than preventative care. The most recent test in January 2026 at 137,838 miles saw an initial failure due to a non-functional front lamp and pitted brake discs. While these issues were rectified to secure a pass, the history of brake-related advisories suggests that components are only addressed once they approach or reach a failure threshold. At 137,838 miles over twelve years, the Mazda 5 has averaged approximately 11,500 miles per annum, which aligns closely with typical national averages for a family vehicle. The record shows consistent annual testing, with roughly 8,000 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 6,600 miles leading into the 2026 inspection. This steady accumulation suggests regular use, though the high cumulative mileage places significant stress on wear items like suspension and braking components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, as the nearside front suspension arm ball joint was flagged with play in both 2023 and 2024. The persistence of this fault suggests the component was either not replaced or is subject to rapid wear. Furthermore, the recurring mentions of thin tyres and uneven edge wear across 2024 and 2025 point to potential wheel alignment issues or worn bushings that could cause premature tyre degradation. The braking system requires close attention given the progression from thin pads on all wheels in early 2025 to scored and pitted discs by early 2026. An inspector should verify the current thickness of the remaining pads and check for any caliper binding or uneven wear. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, a detailed check for corrosion on the sills and mounting points is essential, as the MOT record does not explicitly detail structural integrity beyond the standard pass criteria.