2007 Mazda 5 2.0L Petrol · ML57 CDN

The most recent MOT assessment for this 2007 Mazda 5, dated November 2025, resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trajectory is concerning and indicates a worsening trend regarding structural and exhaust integrity. While the vehicle successfully cleared several major failures in the recent period, including issues with windscreen wipers and significant exhaust defects, the recurring nature of the advisories suggests that underlying issues are not being proactively addressed. Specifically, the transition from surface corrosion advisories in previous years to explicit mentions of inner sill corrosion in the latest test indicates that the vehicle's structural health is actively deteriorating. With a recorded mileage of 125,499 over approximately 19 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,600 miles per year. This represents relatively low annual usage, which is typical for a family vehicle of this age but carries specific mechanical risks. While lower mileage can imply less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it often leads to longer periods of standing, which can exacerbate the corrosion issues seen in the MOT history. In this instance, the low usage pattern appears to have allowed moisture and road salt to settle on the chassis and sills, accelerating the oxidation of the subframe and bodywork rather than keeping the components clear through regular high-speed driving. A prospective buyer must exercise extreme caution regarding the documented corrosion on the nearside and offside rear inner sills and the rear suspension components. Structural corrosion in the sills is a critical concern as it can compromise the vehicle's crash integrity and may eventually lead to an MOT failure for structural weakness. During a test drive, you should listen for any knocking, clunking, or creaking noises from the rear of the vehicle, which could indicate that the corroded suspension components or coil springs are nearing the end of their functional life. Furthermore, the recent failure regarding exhaust emissions and noise suggests that the exhaust system has been compromised; ensure the exhaust is not excessively loud or vibrating excessively, as this could indicate further leaks or failing mounting points. Beyond the structural concerns, the history of suspension and bearing issues requires thorough physical inspection. Check the front and rear suspension bushes, ball joints, and subframe mounting points for excessive movement or play. Given the previous advisory regarding the offside front wheel bearing, listen for any humming or grinding noises that increase with vehicle speed. You should also inspect the condition of the tyres, specifically looking for uneven wear on the inner edges which was noted in 2024, as this indicates geometry or alignment issues. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that despite the low mileage, essential fluid changes and brake inspections have been carried out to prevent the binding or degradation common in vehicles that are driven infrequently.