The 2020 CX‑30 petrol with a manual gearbox is typically the Skyactiv‑G petrol engine mated to a 6‑speed manual — good for everyday driving and simpler/cheaper to maintain than an automatic. There’s no diesel DPF or AdBlue to worry about, but check the car has a consistent oil‑change history (Skyactiv petrol engines perform best with regular oil servicing) and expect the usual clutch wear items on a 6‑year‑old manual. Mazda dealer support in Ireland is common, so parts and dealer servicing are straightforward if not as ubiquitous or cheap as the biggest volume brands.

• Clutch engagement and for any slipping or judder, and smooth gear selection across all ratios (manual gearbox wear is the main manual‑specific risk).
• Engine for signs of excessive oil consumption or overdue oil changes (Skyactiv petrols like regular servicing); look for fresh oil smell after a short run.
• Suspension bushes, anti‑roll bar links and shock‑absorber knocks over bumps — 6 years of Irish roads can show as creaks or uneven ride.
• Brake discs and pads for wear and scoring, plus uneven tyre wear which can indicate alignment or suspension issues.
• Infotainment, reversing camera and parking sensors for correct operation (electrical glitches are more common than major faults on these).