2012 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · ND12 OPC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift toward age-related corrosion. In the most recent test in March 2026 at 78,212 miles, the tester identified corrosion on both the nearside and offside front brake pipes, which were further obscured by grease. This represents a departure from the clean records seen in the previous three years, indicating that the braking system is beginning to show degradation despite the relatively low mileage. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,600 miles per year. Data shows a steady usage pattern, with the car traveling from 70,012 miles in June 2023 to 78,212 miles by March 2026. While low mileage typically suggests less wear on the engine and drivetrain, the long intervals between tests can accelerate the degradation of rubber-based components and the oxidation of metal lines, which aligns with the recent findings on the brake pipework. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking architecture. The failure in June 2023 due to excessive play in both track rod end ball joints suggests that steering components are prone to wear on this example and should be verified to ensure they were replaced properly. Furthermore, the grease on the front brake pipes in the 2026 test requires a thorough cleaning to determine if the corrosion is surface-level or structural, as deep thinning of the lines would lead to a failure in the near future if not addressed.