Buying a CX-5

Hello everyone, i'm looking see how reliable this vehicle would be.

I am thinking of buying 2014 (2.5 FWD) around 100,000-14,0,000 ish KM (60,000- 90,000 mi) and drive it tell the wheels fall off.

Now that the CX-5 has 7 years under its belt looking for advice on the good the bad and the ugly.I have seen posts about the ugly causing a P011A error code heater core blockage from coolant deteriorating and breaking down and deteriorating the rubber coolant hoses. Is this a common failure with these years. Here in Canada this would be a $2,500 or $2,800 job if it's done at the dealer.

Thanks, Brian
 
The only thing I'm aware of is problems with 2018-2019? rocker are dislodging on the cylinder deactivation engines. Make sure you get valve cover removed to see all is well AND that the computer is brought up to latest specs. Ed
 
I don’t believe the 2.5L was available on 2013 models. My 2013 is a 2.0L and I think 2014 saw the 2.5 introduced.

Out of all the forums I’ve frequented over the years, the CX-5 has many less issues than other cars out there. If you snag one in the 60k-90k range, 2013 -2014 model year expect the following as up and coming maintenance:
- 0w-20 oil changes every 7500k miles
- serpentine belt and possibly tensioner. The tensioner failing prematurely is one of the only issues I’ve seen come up commonly here, so I did the belt and tensioner around 60k miles as preventative maintenance on my own. Water pump belt behind the serpentine belt (2013 2.0’s) looked great, but replaced anyway as I was already there with a new belt in hand.
-spark plugs at 100k miles (I think anyway, I did mine early)
-coolant flush at 120k miles or 10 yrs, 60k miles or 5 years after that. Check the level in the reservoir. Mine has dipped to the L 2x in the nearly 8 years I’ve owned it.
-first set of OEM brakes could be nearing end of life based on driving habits. Mine had a lot of life left at 70k miles with mostly flat highway driving but were replaced because I had already ordered the parts.
-you can consider draining and filling the transmission fluid but it’s not called for in the owners manual. Seek that info here for opinions and procedure if you care to do that

You’re seeking a good brand and model. I think somebody would be lucky to get my car at a little over 75k miles if I were to sell it but there’s no chance of that right now. It’s too damn reliable and in awesome shape.
 
Oh! And if you get one with only four speakers, do yourself a favor and install 2 3.5” speakers in the dash. I replaced the stock door speakers and did two more in the dash. The dash speakers were the best bang for your buck alone.
 
thanks rthrj for your input.
I edited my post i forgot no 2.5 in 2013 so 2014-up.

Np! Best of luck in the car search. Cropping out the 2013s might also remove the transmission TSB risk. Somebody else or some sleuthing might be able to confirm that. Some transmissions weren’t manufactured correctly in early CX5s which could lead to bearings wearing out and failing prematurely. High pitched whining noise from the transmission while moving was the symptom before complete failure. No issues with mine (knock on wood) but that was a rare issue some here experienced.
 
this thrd is a couple weeks old but...……….we have a 2014 with 92000 kms on the clock and the original owner. While we did have a few misc problems in the first 2 years, mostly cause the dealer was an idiot. After that headache was over, the CX5 has been a great vehicle.
We haven't spent anything except regular maintenance.
Use synthetic oil changed at 8000 kms.
No leaks of any kind on engine / tranny.
Still runs great and gets great mpg.
Still has original brakes, with lots of wear left.
Body in great shape, not a spec of rust anywhere.
Still drives nice and quiet on the highway, no wind noises, creaks or rattles.

Did a good spring cleaning the other day and I'm surprised it still looks so good. It's the wifes main source of transportation and has no desire to trade up to a newer car. I don't anticipate any major problems (knock on wood).

Oh FWIW, we do have a FWD. Actually tough to find since everyone MUST have an AWD. We use dedicated winter rubber, and never had a problem. Does great on snow and ice in our Alberta winters.
 
FWD would be a hard find in Alberta. AWD was extremely rare in Florida.
 
Have a 2016 Touring that was purchased new in April of 2015 and a 2019 GTR that was purchased last August.
Both have zero problems.
 
2015 CX-5 P011A issue, search other posts for info. Summer so don't need the heat yet. Don't know if it is limited to the heater core as some other much more severe conditions underlying the code were found just searching for the code alone in the database here. Have not taken a course to remedy yet short of owner grief. Other than that the driver seat motor growls a lot now, but seat still moves on adjustment control. Mostly good til this code arrived.
 

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