2011 Mazda 5 2.0L Petrol · RO11 VRD

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT in April 2024, but only after a failure involving dangerous rear brake pad wear and major wiper defects. The overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. There is a clear pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance, evidenced by the vehicle reaching dangerous brake limits and failing on basic consumables. The recurring nature of suspension and tyre advisories suggests that mechanical upkeep has been minimal, with issues being addressed only when they become mandatory for a test pass. With 139,690 miles recorded over fifteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,313 miles per year. This usage is typical for a family vehicle of this age and suggests a consistent duty cycle. However, at this mileage, the drivetrain and chassis are entering a phase where high-wear components typically require replacement. The combination of average mileage and the recorded defect history indicates that while the vehicle has been used steadily, it may have been neglected in terms of long-term wear-and-tear items and preventative chassis care. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the chassis and suspension. The MOT history shows persistent issues with anti-roll bar linkages and splitting lower arm rear bushes. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed cornering. The repeated advisories for inner edge tyre wear strongly suggest that the wheel alignment is incorrect or that the suspension bushes are too worn to maintain proper geometry. Inspect the current tyres for uneven wear patterns and check the date codes to ensure they are not perishing. While the dangerous rear brakes were addressed for the 2024 test, the history of neglecting pads to such a critical level suggests a need to verify the condition of the brake discs for scoring or binding. Structural integrity is a primary concern given the recorded general underbody corrosion and specific mentions of the rear sub-frame and suspension arms. A thorough inspection of the underside is essential to ensure that surface corrosion has not progressed to structural perforation, particularly around the rear mounting points. The reported slight blow in the exhaust centre section should be checked for audible leaks or soot marks, as this indicates the exhaust system is degrading. Finally, verify the service history for calendar-based fluid changes, as the combination of age and mileage makes the health of the engine oil and coolant critical for the longevity of the powertrain.