2018 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Petrol · YN18 XTP

A chronic pattern of front-end component wear, recurring brake deterioration, and persistent oil seepage defines the MOT history of this Mazda CX-5. Across every recorded test from 2021 onwards, the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover has been flagged, originally recorded as a lower linkage item in June 2023 and reappearing as a severely deteriorated dust cover in 2024 and again in November 2025. The most recent test on 6 November 2025 produced a pass alongside that minor defect, plus an oil leak advisory that has been a recurring theme since March 2022 and is now considered not excessive but clearly ongoing. The same November date also generated a separate failed entry under the same advisory and minor items, with the only prs reason being insufficient windscreen washer fluid, which on its own is not a mechanical concern but does reflect a lack of basic pre-test preparation. Front brake disc wear advisories have appeared in both 2023 and 2024, indicating progressive surface deterioration rather than a one-off observation, and front tyres close to the legal limit were flagged in both 2022 and 2025, suggesting a habit of running tyres to the wire rather than replacing them proactively. Annual mileage of approximately 14,500 miles is notably above average for a vehicle of this age and points to consistent high-mileage use rather than periods of standing. Five tests are recorded between 2021 and 2025, with intervals of roughly twelve to fifteen months apart, which is consistent with the vehicle being in regular daily use. No gaps suggest long-term off-road storage, and the cumulative 116,012 miles reflect steady accumulation rather than any sudden jump. For a turbocharged petrol Mazda CX-5 of this generation, that level of sustained use means greater wear on suspension consumables, brake components, tyres, and drivetrain mounts than would be expected on a lower-mileage example, which aligns well with the recurring anti-roll bar dust cover failure and the brake disc pitting noted over multiple tests. A prospective buyer should focus a physical inspection on the front anti-roll bar system, as the persistent dust cover deterioration may indicate that the ball joint itself is now approaching the end of its service life even though it has not yet been recorded as an MOT failure. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during sharp low-speed direction changes, as well as any looseness or slack felt through the steering when turning into a kerb. The front brake discs should be inspected for lipping, hot spots, and scoring; with the pads noted as wearing thin in 2023 and discs pitted in both 2023 and 2024, a thorough check of remaining pad material and disc thickness is essential, and any pulsation through the brake pedal under firm pedal pressure would suggest disc runout worth addressing. The recurring oil leak advisory, recorded on the nearside front in 2022 and still present in 2025, warrants a close visual inspection of the engine and gearbox for fresh oil residue, particularly around the valve cover gasket, sump, and any turbo-related lines on this generation of CX-5. With the vehicle now over eight years old and on high mileage, oil seeps of this nature can develop into more significant leaks if left unchecked, so it is worth asking for evidence of recent top-ups and checking the oil level on a cold engine before purchase. Front tyres should be measured for remaining tread depth and checked for uneven shoulder wear, which could indicate suspension or alignment issues linked to worn anti-roll bar components. Finally, the previously damaged windscreen and insecure rear reflector suggest a need to verify that all glazing and lighting fitments are currently in serviceable condition, and a basic check of washer fluid delivery from both front and rear jets would confirm the 2025 prs defect has been resolved.