Looking at a used CX-5 Skyactiv-D 2.2L

[Herra Mazda]

Hello,

I am looking at a used 2019 CX-5 Skyactiv-D 2.2. I have owned a number of diesel and turbodiesel vehicles in the past (but no Skyactiv-D's), but considering this is a used car, I have a few questions. When looking at a used CX-5, aside what you would look at normally like general condition, rust, signs of abuse, etc.:

- what CX-5 specific things should I look for, and what are definite deal-killers (in your opinion)?

- what Skyactive-D things should I look for, and as above, what are deal-killers?


Should this car look like something I am going to buy:

- aside from the maintenance / usage procedures / recommendations by Mazda, what do you do to maintain the DPF and DEF systems to minimize issues?

I would like to keep the DPF and DEF systems intact if possible, but am not against their removal if it means a more usable vehicle. That said, most times I use the car would be for trips of greater than 100 miles / 160 km of mostly highway driving, but there may be some weeks that I would drive it ~90 miles / 140 km to a job site, then < 10 miles / 16 km for the middle of the week, and back home again for 90 miles / 140 km. Should driving like this be sufficient most of the time to keep the DPF regenerating as it should?

 

[Conrad 16.5]

A diesel CX-5? I would suggest doing as much research as possible on these vehicles.

Check this forum. It seems that these vehicles have an undo number of issues such as cracked heads and blown head gaskets. Not good.

YMMV

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

@HyFlyer

I think one of the members here in US market with a 2019 diesel…

https://mazdas247.com/forum/members/hyflyer.179665/

 

[Herra Mazda]

Thank you @Conrad 16.5 and @Kedis82ZE8. I have DM'd @HighFlyer asking what experiences they've had, good and bad.

 

[Moonlighter]

Having owned 2 x CX5 2.2 diesels, I can recommend based in experience that you should think about how you will use the car before you select one.

Constant city driving and short trips are bad for any modern diesel cars. And CX5 is no exception.

Why?

Because the dpf regeneration needs at least a fortnightly highway speed run of at least 30 minutes, better if its 45-50 minutes.

if you dont do regular highway speed runs like that, the more the better, then don’t get the diesel. The dpf will clog up due to regens not completing due to constant short runs. You will then have issues and they will be expensive to fix.

Use of the correct low/medium SAPS engine oil is also critical. So I would be looking at the service history to see if its been done by a Mazda dealership or at least there is evidence of the correct oil being used. Again, if it hasnt been used then there will be a sludge buildup in the engine that WILL cause major engine and dpf issues. This is not something to be taken lightly. When it comes to these modern diesels, oils aint oils…..

The early version CX5’s were prone to overheating issues and poor dpf performance, but these were largely addressed in the “series 2” KE which has the electronic park brake and the Maxda Connect system. So a 2019 should not have those issues.

So in short, if a good percentage of your driving is going to be longer trips and highway, then the 2.2 D CX5 is a good choice, incredibly economical and heaps of torque.

Flip side - if its going to be a daily to the shops driver, predominantly short trips around town, no, dont get it would be my advice. Even Mazda dealerships here were telling customers that when they were considering buying a new one.

 

[Antoine]

Thank you @Conrad 16.5 and @Kedis82ZE8. I have DM'd @HighFlyer asking what experiences they've had, good and bad.

Hi @Herra Mazda, it would be great to continue that conversation here in this thread because it may be helpful to others as well. If I’m not mistaken @HyFlyer hasn’t had any major issues and is quite fond of his second generation Diesel CX-5. That said there have been reports of major issues with the first generation Diesel CX-5 as mentioned.

Please keep us updated, thanks!

 

[Lazy2.5]

Based on the complaints I have heard of re. 2.2d, I would stay away from it.

Otherwise, any Skyactiv Mazda with a gasoline engine is an excellent buy with very limited problems to note.

 

[dunhillmc]

Don't do it

 

[sm1ke]

Based on what you've written in your post, it sounds like the diesel 2.2 would work great for your use case. It may be more difficult to source parts/aftermarket parts because the 2nd gen diesel is quite rare, but aside from that, I think you'll be ok.

In addition to the past service history, I would want to find out how the previous owner(s) drove the car. If they drove it long enough, often enough, there should be nothing to worry about.