2005 Mazda 5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mazda 5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mazda 5 than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Mazda 5

  20.9% All 2005 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Sub-frame3× usual
  Mazda 5

  16% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Mazda 5

  17.7% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.3× usual
  Mazda 5

  14.3% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Mazda 5

  14.6% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2005 Mazda 5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mazda 5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  63% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  39% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  35% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Rust and bodywork
  23% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mazda 5

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2005 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2005 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?