MAZDA CX-5 (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 16,856 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 8 years old, 91% of MAZDA CX-5s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 16,856 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 49,716 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,716
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 MAZDA CX-5 has 49,716 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2018 sits between the two at 91%.
MAZDA CX-5 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 MAZDA CX-5
The 2018 MAZDA CX-5 is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 16,856 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 49,716 miles at 8 years old, MAZDA CX-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 MAZDA CX-5 Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 MAZDA CX-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MAZDA CX-5 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA CX-5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 MAZDA CX-5
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 16,856 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 MAZDA CX-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 MAZDA CX-5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA CX-5(2018) | 91% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£100 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| HYUNDAI TUCSON(2019) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| VOLVO XC40(2020) | 93% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mazda Models
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