2013 Skyactiv-D CX-5 (UK). What to be aware of and best Android Auto?

[VisualHudson]

First post. I need to buy a new car. After much deliberations and research, I've narrowed it down to the CX-5. I was going to choose the Sport Nav model, but I've found a 2013 2.2 SKYACTIV-D "Sport" which appears to a good deal. Looking at the pics, it does have "NAV" next to the screen in the centre console, so I'm not sure if it's just been incorrectly labelled on Autotrader? Or maybe it just doesn't have the GPS module / SD card reader?

I know it's nearly 100,000 miles and 10 years old. But from what I've been reading, I don't need to worry about cambelt / timing belt as normally would do, as this uses a timing chain which most places seem to say is good for the life of the engine. Though I have seen a couple others for sale that say they've had the timing chain replaced? However I've also gone down a massive rabbit hole through various websites and forums talking about how Mazda diesels are prone catastrophic failure which has now replaced my excitement with major anxiety about this car.

Looking at it's MOT history, it looks like it's been relatively well kept. It's done 8-10k miles most years, except one year it did about 15k. The only current advisories are a little bit of corrosion. Interestingly, I did find a site that showed the car has not been taxed in 2 months and the dealer has recently reduced the price... so I'm guessing they've had the car for a few months now and been unable to sell it - is this because of the bad Mazda diesel reputation? I am going to view it tomorrow and will check the VIN to see if it's beginning with JMZKE and up to No 163230 because of the known camshaft failure.

I'm not a complete novice, just a general understanding of cars, so I'm wondering if you guys can help me with what I need to look out for when I go to see this car in person and test drive it? What concerns there might be? etc.

I do 20-30k miles a year, mostly on motorways up and down the country, business use so diesel is preferred. I do also enjoy car camping, off-roading a little bit, so this would be a nice upgrade to my dead 62 plate Vauxhall Insignia (that I've had for 8+ years). After a nightmare of a year trying to repair my Insignia but being £4k down and still a completely dead car, I'm hoping to get a CX-5 and be trouble free for a good few years. Given the high mileage and age, I don't expect to get another 8 years again but maybe 4 or 5 I don't know??? Unfortunately, do to personal circumstances as well as the outstanding repair bill on my old car (currently being disputed with Barclaycard), my budget is really quite poor considering the current price of used cars. So I'm looking at a budget of around £5000ish with maybe 20% deposit and the rest will be on finance.

If I do get this car, I desperately want to upgrade the entertainment system. But this has sent me down such a huge number of other different rabbit holes, I'm completely overwhelmed with it all. I have a handful of requirements that I'll list out to try to make it easier:

• I live in the UK so I'd like to be able to have FM & DAB / DAB+
• I want to have wireless Android Auto
• I want to be able to still use the controls on the steering wheel, as well as the navigation knob and the AUX / USB ports in the centre console
• I need to make sure that the reversing camera still works as normal
• I'd like to be able to access the vehicle settings (as I'm aware some setups don't allow this)
• I believe if I'm getting an Android tablet or device it needs to have 4GB, preferably 6GB of RAM. It would be nice if it was high resolution, and maybe even OLED or something like that?

I see lots of people recommend Crutchfield, but they're based in the USA so that's not much good for me.

This guy put up an incredibly in-depth post about installing AONON head unit in a 2014 CX-5 but I'm worried that it's not going to be exactly the same instructions that I need to follow? I also struggled to find the exact same head unit. When I google the name, Amazon UK gives me a 10.1 inch screen not a 10.5 as he uses, so then I'm worried about the Double DIN bezel thing not be the right one?

I've seen retrofit kits https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned). I know that is for the wrong year, but is this the best way to go? I don't think it is, but it's always best to double-check.

I see people talk about AA Wireless devices but I'd rather get a head unit that already had wireless Android Auto built in to it.

I saw one guy on YouTube recommend going to the EONON website where I've used their Find What Fits Your Vehicle guide and it's thrown up two devices that are very different looking to the ones I see most other people using AND I can't really the tell the difference between the two units anyway...
1. Eonon Black Friday Sale 7 Inch QLED Linux Double Din Car Stereo Support Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto & Type-C USB Fast Charge Car Radio
2. Eonon Black Friday Sale Android 13 Double Din Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Car Radio Support Fast Charging & 7 Inch IPS Touch Screen

Because I want to use the centre console controls and ports, I've seen people say you need a Metra AXUSB-MZ which I think is what I've found on eBay here?

And then I've found a bunch of different online stores that seemingly sell ready built solutions such as this one from Drivetech or this one from NiftyCity or or this one from Brummstadt or this very expensive one from Mikstore. Or do I go to the opposite end of the spectrum and get it from Aliexpress?

I really would appreciate it someone can take the time to help me figure all this out!

 

[HyFlyer]

... I'm hoping to get a CX-5 and be trouble free for a good few years. ...

A Petro 2.0 or 2.5 powered CX-5 would likely fit in the trouble free for a few good years. The 2013 2.2 diesel you're looking at would likely not. Not a good year for Mazda diesel. Many major problems reported with those earlier years of skyactiv-D that seem to make them money pits.

I think Mazda did eventually figure out the issues and refine their 2.2 skyactiv-D. My 2019 (USA spec) has over 100,000 problem free miles on it now.

 

[VisualHudson]

A Petro 2.0 or 2.5 powered CX-5 would likely fit in the trouble free for a few good years. The 2013 2.2 diesel you're looking at would likely not. Not a good year for Mazda diesel. Many major problems reported with those earlier years of skyactiv-D that seem to make them money pits.

I think Mazda did eventually figure out the issues and refine their 2.2 skyactiv-D. My 2019 (USA spec) has over 100,000 problem free miles on it now.

Unfortunately, the petrol models take me from £5295 to around £7000-8000. The same dealer has a 2.0L petrol with 86k miles, instead of this diesel with nearly 100k, but it's at £8000 which is just a huge increase I can't really afford.

When I bought my last car in 2016, I bought it 3.5 years old, unfortunately used car prices have skyrocketed since then and to make matters worse my affordability is through the floor at the moment so buying a semi-recent that's a few years old is also out of the question.

EDIT: Damn it looks like the diesel has been removed from Autotrader and the dealers website, I'm guessing it's gone

 

[HyFlyer]

I would call it a stroke or luck for you that the diesel is gone. You can look at it this way ... Pay 7-8000 and have a car that works properly or pay 5295 then another 4000-10000 in repairs for timing chains, turbos, entire engine, etc to keep it going and not have any resale value with frustrations and headaches all along the way.

 

[VisualHudson]

I would call it a stroke or luck for you that the diesel is gone. You can look at it this way ... Pay 7-8000 and have a car that works properly or pay 5295 then another 4000-10000 in repairs for timing chains, turbos, entire engine, etc to keep it going and not have any resale value with frustrations and headaches all along the way.

I mean, I totally get that but it's hard to find those extra few thousand pounds when you don't have them. Plus, moving up from £5,000 to £8,000 probably opens me up to a whole new world of cars that I would have to begin researching into.

Are there any known common issues with the petrols to be aware of?

EDIT: Oh yeah, doing a bit of research now, one of the reasons I chose the diesel over the petrol was because I wanted AWD not FWD. Can't seem to find petrols that come with AWD.

 

[yrwei52]

⋯
EDIT: Damn it looks like the diesel has been removed from Autotrader and the dealers website, I'm guessing it's gone

Consider yourself lucky that 2013 CX-5 2.2L diesel lemon is gone and you have no chance to get it now.

There’s no free lunch, and there’s always a reason why that diesel stayed unsold for a while with such a low price.

Just too many major problems on this 2.2L diesel, camshaft wear、oil dilution / rising、sudden overheating / cylinder head warping or cracking、broken oil pump chain、turbo failure and so on. Any such problem happens that will cost an arm and a leg to fix, most likely a new engine!

One of the worst problems on Mazda’s SkyActiv-D 2.2L diesel before using the AdBlue DEF is the sudden overheating without warnings. Some countries such as Taiwan, ROC has mandated (after many CX-5 diesel owners protested to the government) the Mazda to extend engine warranty on overheating for life which made Mazda Taiwan stopped importing the popular diesel vehicles into the country a couple of years ago.

Just search 2.2L diesel in this forum you’ll see too many sad stories about owning a Mazda 2.2L diesel:

In Taiwan ROC Ministry calls for Mazda to respond to Safety Probe

Blown head gasket for CX-5 Diesel

2015 Mazda CX-5 engine replacement?

Need help with my CX-5 2014 Skyactiv 2.2L Diesel

2015 CX-5 2.2L Head Gasket Conundrum

CX-5 2016 Blown Head Gasket

2.2L CX-5 Diesel head gasket blown...DIY fix?

Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2012 2.2L Diesel Coolant leak?

Recalled for potential issues with diesel engines between 2012-2018

Carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve (CX-5)

2015 CX-5 Diesel Engine blown…What’s it worth?

Oil Pump Chain Broken While Driving Mazda 2.2L Diesel

CX-5 Overheating...Any ideas?

Unfortunately, I had to admit defeat. Sold the car for pennies and got a new car. More money than it's worth trying to get it fixed. If you read all the articles above you will see it's a major problem with Diesel Mazda CX5. I hope you sort it out.

Finally, if you have time, you can read this long thread with 2341 posts and you’ll understand more about history and problems on Mazda’s 2.2D:

How many Brits? Fancy a cuppa?

 

[VisualHudson]

I really do appreciate all the help. I totally understand that you're veering me towards the petrol engines, but I'm concerned that they're going to be quite underpowered? In the UK and around these model years, I'm limited to just the 2.0 not the later 2.5 revision.

When I look at MOT history of lots of these cars, both petrol and diesel, I'm finding a lot them commonly state:

• Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
• Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
• Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Or they might say:

• Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
• Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
• Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
• Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Is all this corrosion not something I should be concerned about?

Of course the latest MOTs don't state it, cynically I'm guessing the dealers have opted not to mention it on the test before advertising but who knows.

I have found a 2013 diesel for £3695 with 99k miles which is a hell of a lot cheaper than I've found elsewhere, suspiciously so admittedly, but it's also a heck of a lot less than paying £8000 for the petrol. Other than being too good to be true and the dealer probably hiding that this car is already faulty, can anybody find any other reason that I'm missing why it might be so much cheaper? I'm wondering if it's worth the gamble.... Like I say, I mostly do 25,000+ miles a year, frequently doing multiple-hour long journeys on motorways throughout the week so diesel was preferred. Plus also for the AWD and torque as I also tend to do some off-roading when I do car camping.

^ These are the reasons why I can't get myself a PCP or lease, I do car too high mileage and off roading stuff that it just is not and does not make economical sense. I don't think you can even get PCP above 20k miles a year anyway. So finance-wise, I'm stuck with Hire Purchase (or maybe Conditional Sale, though I don't quite understand that the difference is tbh).

Also, going to the other tangent of this thread, can anyone help me with the best wireless Android Auto modification / upgrade for this first gen of CX-5.

 

[yrwei52]

I really do appreciate all the help. I totally understand that you're veering me towards the petrol engines, but I'm concerned that they're going to be quite underpowered? In the UK and around these model years, I'm limited to just the 2.0 not the later 2.5 revision.

When I look at MOT history of lots of these cars, both petrol and diesel, I'm finding a lot them commonly state:


Or they might say:


Is all this corrosion not something I should be concerned about?

Of course the latest MOTs don't state it, cynically I'm guessing the dealers have opted not to mention it on the test before advertising but who knows.

I have found a 2013 diesel for £3695 with 99k miles which is a hell of a lot cheaper than I've found elsewhere, suspiciously so admittedly, but it's also a heck of a lot less than paying £8000 for the petrol. Other than being too good to be true and the dealer probably hiding that this car is already faulty, can anybody find any other reason that I'm missing why it might be so much cheaper? I'm wondering if it's worth the gamble.... Like I say, I mostly do 25,000+ miles a year, frequently doing multiple-hour long journeys on motorways throughout the week so diesel was preferred. Plus also for the AWD and torque as I also tend to do some off-roading when I do car camping.

^ These are the reasons why I can't get myself a PCP or lease, I do car too high mileage and off roading stuff that it just is not and does not make economical sense. I don't think you can even get PCP above 20k miles a year anyway. So finance-wise, I'm stuck with Hire Purchase (or maybe Conditional Sale, though I don't quite understand that the difference is tbh).

Also, going to the other tangent of this thread, can anyone help me with the best wireless Android Auto modification / upgrade for this first gen of CX-5.

Not surprised, rust has always been a problem for Mazda vehicles:

Undercarriage Rust

Would you be concerned about this amount of rust?

Just joined the club and question on rust

Rustproofing & Undercoating...is it necessary?

The comparison pictures between @Fish1’s CX-5 and his much older Toyota Matrix from Southern New Hampshire is astonishing:

Rust like that after a few years even with heavy use of salt I believe is unacceptable with today's coatings and materials to look worse than a car that is 13 years old is not acceptable. How can Mazda get away with this? I love how this car drives and looks but also want one that will last. Also very happy with fuel economy so far getting around 30.5MPG on my 100 mile round trip commute.

2005 toyota matrix/pontiac vibe - 225K miles driving 100 miles a day

View attachment 216618

2014 CX-5 (seen 2 winters) -28K miles

View attachment 216616
View attachment 216617

You should have already known why you can find a 2013 diesel for £3,695 with 99k miles but you have to pay £8,000 for the petrol. Again there’s no free lunch. Most people know a used Mazda 2.2L diesel deemed to have major engine problems, of course the sale price can’t be high. With that many miles you’re driving, getting a used Mazda diesel is a sure thing to give you a big headache, not to mention to cost you an arm and a leg to fix the major engine problems.

 

[cz5gt]

stay away from the diesel in Europe. Friend used to work for a dealer and the only models they serviced for engine related repairs were mainly the diesel. They rarely see petrol ones in the shop. 2.0 petrol (gas) is one of the most reliable ones followed by the 2.5 petrol. or look for another brand. Why are you so focused on Mazda? Mazdas also rust like no other car.
Europe has many options and better ones for diesels.
example PSA (Stellantis now) 2.0 diesel engines are bulletproof.