2013 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · VU63 RYJ

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 holds a valid MOT issued on 10 March 2026 at 155,763 miles, but the record immediately preceding that pass reveals a borderline maintenance picture. The same test session began with a failure for excessive play in the offside track rod end ball joint, a critical steering component, alongside rear brake discs worn and pitted, rear pads wearing thin, and an offside rear tyre worn to near the legal limit. The car passed later that day after rectification, yet the tester still flagged defective wiper blades, slightly defective headlamp lenses, and the same rear brake and tyre wear as advisories. This combination suggests the vehicle was presented in worn mechanical condition and patched through rather than maintained proactively. The trend is not clearly improving; it reflects a pattern of deferred wear items reaching failure point before correction. Mileage accumulation sits at roughly 11,982 miles per year, which is typical for a 13-year-old vehicle and does not in itself raise concern. The annual tests from March 2024 through March 2026 show steady progression from 124,137 to 155,763 miles, covering approximately 31,626 miles across two years. No prolonged gaps or sudden jumps appear in the record. The data is sparse outside the annual test cycle, so no intermediate servicing or repair history can be verified from this source alone. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front steering and rear braking systems, given the repeated failures and advisories. Check the track rod ends for play and the condition of the steering rack boots, which if split allow ingress of dirt and moisture leading to premature joint wear. Examine the rear brake discs and pads for scoring and uneven wear, and verify the offside rear tyre for edge wear that may indicate misaligned rear tracking or worn suspension bushes. The headlamp lens defects and recurring wiper blade failures are minor but point to basic upkeep being overlooked. Inspect the subframes, sills, and around the rear wheel arches for corrosion, as the CX-5 of this era can develop structural rust in those areas, particularly if underseal has not been maintained. A compression test and a check of the exhaust for excessive smoke would also be prudent at this mileage, given the age and the pattern of wear items being run to failure before replacement.