Used car guide

2005 Mazda MPV diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Mazda MPV first registered in 2005 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 108 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 108 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

108MOTs of 2005 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
49%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%)
8,200typical miles a year
58%had suspension flagged

Common 2005 Mazda MPV diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Suspension
    58% 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.

  • Brakes
    45% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    29% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    26% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    19% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mazda MPV diesel

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mazda MPV?

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Other years

Every year of the Mazda MPV compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012109Suspension 53%
2011116Suspension 40%
2010111Suspension 44%
2008150Suspension 58%
2006135Suspension 47%
2004–Too few tests
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda MPV cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score