2017 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · SA67 ACY

The vehicle’s roadworthiness record demonstrates a concerning trend of deferred maintenance, with a critical failure in October 2025—just four days before passing—followed by a near-identical repeat of the same faults at the same mileage. The October 2025 failure exposed severe issues: binding rear brakes, a major exhaust leak, and tyres already at or beyond legal limits, yet the vehicle passed the subsequent test with only the corroded brake pipes and thin pads noted. This suggests either a rushed inspection or a pattern of ignoring critical faults until the last possible moment. The most recent MOT (October 2025) is now 19 months old , placing it well beyond the recommended 12-month interval for vehicles with a history of recurring brake and tyre defects. The mileage progression reveals inconsistent usage, with gaps of 9,322 miles (2022–2023) and 9,773 miles (2023–2024) , followed by 7,322 miles in the final year (2024–2025) . This erratic pattern—combined with the vehicle’s age and the repeated tyre and brake failures—implies neglect rather than diligent maintenance. The 2024 MOT recorded perishing tyres at 49,011 miles , yet the car was driven another 7,322 miles before the next test, raising questions about whether unsafe tyres were replaced or simply ignored. The average annual mileage of 6,259 miles is typical for its class, but the irregular gaps and failure to address known defects suggest the previous owner prioritised cost over safety. A prospective buyer must prioritise an immediate, thorough inspection of the brake system, particularly the rear calipers (which were flagged as binding) and the corroded front brake pipes (noted in every MOT since 2022). The exhaust leak, while not present in the most recent pass, was confirmed in the 2025 failure, indicating a structural issue that could worsen. Tyres should be scrutinised for uneven wear, perishing, or hidden damage—especially the nearside front, which was repeatedly near the legal limit. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be checked for dry rot or excessive play, as the lack of advisories does not guarantee their integrity. Given the history of deferred maintenance, no component should be assumed reliable without professional verification.