2013 Mazda 5 1.6L Diesel · MA63 YTS

The 2013 Mazda 5 presents a stable but watchful maintenance picture. The most recent test on 29 October 2025 at 76,267 miles passed, yet the tester flagged front brake discs worn, pitted or scored and front brake pads wearing thin. This is the third consecutive MOT to note front brake disc wear, indicating a persistent issue that has not been fully resolved. The trend is not worsening into failure territory, but it is not resolving either. The vehicle sits on a current certificate valid until late October 2026, giving roughly four months remaining at the time of writing. At thirteen years old with 76,267 miles recorded, the annual average sits around 5,867 miles. This is low for its age and suggests either light local use or periods of standing. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between the June 2022 failure at 68,669 miles and the June 2023 test at 71,070 miles, the car covered 2,401 miles in twelve months. From June 2023 to October 2024 at 73,859 miles, it added 2,789 miles over roughly sixteen months. The jump from October 2024 to October 2025 was 2,408 miles in twelve months. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes, and the odometer readings follow a believable, gradual climb with no rollback suspicion. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front braking system. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted or scored in three successive tests spanning June 2023, October 2024, and October 2025. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in June 2023 and again in October 2025. This pattern suggests either a caliper issue causing uneven or accelerated wear, or simply that the discs have been operating at the edge of serviceability for an extended period without replacement. Rear brake discs were flagged as corroded and worn in October 2024, and offside rear pads were noted as wearing thin in June 2023. The braking system across all four corners warrants a thorough check of disc thickness, pad material remaining, caliper slide pin operation, and any signs of binding. The nearside front suspension also demands attention. On 29 June 2022 at 68,669 miles, the vehicle failed on a nearside front rear suspension bush excessively worn. The following day's retest at 68,669 miles passed, suggesting the bush was replaced. However, suspension bushes on a vehicle of this age and mileage can deteriorate again, particularly if the car has seen uneven roads or prolonged standing. Inspect all front suspension bushes, track rod ends, and drop links for play or perishing. The nearside front tyre was flagged as close to the legal limit in both June 2023 and October 2024, pointing to possible alignment or suspension geometry issues causing uneven wear. A four-wheel alignment check is advisable. Given the low annual mileage, also inspect tyre sidewalls for age-related cracking, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth.