2012 Mazda 5 1.8L Petrol · RV62 LGL

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 29 May 2026, at 181,443 miles, passed but revealed a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance and recurring mechanical issues. Despite the pass, the tester identified critical wear in suspension components—both front and rear suspension arm pins/bushes showing excessive play, alongside persistent steering rack joint looseness. Structural corrosion in the front and rear sub-frames, while not yet classified as seriously weakened, suggests long-term neglect, particularly when paired with the 2025 failure for rear exhaust insecurity and a major leak. The near-legal-limit tyre tread on all front tyres, combined with the 2024 failure of the offside front driveshaft boot, indicates a failure to address consumable wear promptly. The trend over the past three tests is unambiguously worsening, with no evidence of proactive repairs addressing the core structural or suspension concerns. Mileage accumulation between tests has averaged approximately 13,000 miles annually, consistent with the vehicle’s high overall usage. The gap between the 2025 (168,051 miles) and 2026 tests (181,443 miles) reflects just 13,392 miles in under a year, which, while not extreme, aligns with the vehicle’s aggressive mileage profile. Notably, the 2023 test at 139,285 miles was the only clean pass without advisories, suggesting either a period of lighter use or a temporary overhaul before the vehicle reverted to its usual high-mileage pattern. The absence of a test between May 2025 and May 2026—despite the vehicle’s age and mileage—raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven out of service or simply not tested, a red flag for potential hidden issues. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the front and rear arm bushes and ball joints, which have shown consistent wear across multiple tests. The steering rack joint play, if left unaddressed, can compromise handling and safety, while the corroded sub-frames warrant a closer examination for hidden structural compromise. The rear exhaust system’s history of insecurity and leaks demands verification that the issue has been resolved, as central leaks pose both environmental and safety risks. Tyre condition is critical—all front tyres are dangerously close to the legal limit, and the near-rear tyres, though not yet flagged, should be checked for uneven wear or edge damage. Finally, the driveshaft boot deterioration from 2024 indicates potential internal joint wear, which could lead to catastrophic failure if ignored.