2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · OU14 XAP

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 February 2023 resulted in a Pass, which is reassuring for a prospective buyer, and the overall maintenance trend across the recorded history does not show acute deterioration. Across seven MOT entries spanning 2017 to early 2023, the vehicle has consistently passed its roadworthiness tests, with the only recorded failure being a minor presentation issue on the same day as the February 2023 pass, specifically an offside front position lamp not working, which is an inexpensive bulb or wiring concern rather than a structural or mechanical defect. The advisory pattern reveals a recurring theme of front brake pads wearing thin and front tyres approaching the legal limit or wearing on their inner or outer edges, items that have surfaced in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This consistency suggests ongoing consumption of consumables rather than neglect, but it does indicate that the braking and steering geometries are working those components harder than ideal, possibly hinting at alignment or suspension wear that warrants further scrutiny. With 145,457 miles recorded on a 2014 Mazda CX-5, this vehicle has covered approximately 12,121 miles annually, which is notably above average for its age and points to genuinely high usage rather than periods of standing. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the available MOT record, indicating continuous operation, and high-mileage examples of the CX-5 demand particular attention to the drivetrain, including the diesel particulate filter on diesel variants, clutch wear on manuals, and torque converter behaviour on automatics, as well as the turbocharger and associated vacuum lines. The cumulative mileage also brings nearer the serviceable life of suspension bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and wheel bearings, all of which are subjected to greater stress under consistent higher mileage. Given the recurring advisories for front brake pad wear and inner or outer edge tyre wear, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should focus on the condition of the front discs, as worn pads over a sustained period often lead to scored or lipped discs that may soon require machining or replacement. Uneven or inner-edge tyre wear across both front positions can indicate worn suspension bushes, deteriorating top mounts, weak or broken coil springs, or misalignment of the front axle, so a test drive over uneven road surfaces should be conducted specifically listening for clonking or knocking from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps and potholes. Additionally, any steering vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or vibration through the steering wheel would suggest deeper wear in the front suspension or brake caliper binding, both of which are common on high-mileage SUVs of this era. Beyond the advisory-related items, the buyer should still undertake age and mileage-appropriate checks that the MOT cannot fully cover. The 12-year-old tyres, even if legally treaded, should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of mileage, and a full set of replacements should be budgeted if cracking is evident. Brake calipers and handbrake mechanisms on a vehicle that has clearly been in regular use are prone to seizing, so a rolling brake test on a test drive to confirm the vehicle pulls evenly and without dragging is advisable. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as a 2014-vintage battery is well beyond its typical service life and likely due for replacement. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid or manual gearbox oil should be regarded as due for renewal on a calendar basis, particularly given the high annual mileage, and a thorough service history review confirming regular oil and filter changes at sensible intervals will be essential in judging whether the engine and drivetrain have been adequately maintained for this demanding usage profile.