2002 Mazda B Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Mazda B Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Mazda B Series than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Chassis rust or damage4.9× usual
  Mazda B Series

  19.7% All 2002 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings4.3× usual
  Mazda B Series

  16.6% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rear fog light5.9× usual
  Mazda B Series

  9.4% All 2002 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Seat belts5.2× usual
  Mazda B Series

  9.3% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Body structure rust or damage2.6× usual
  Mazda B Series

  8.7% All 2002 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2002 Mazda B Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Mazda B Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Rust and bodywork
  34% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Mazda B Series

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2002 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2002 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2002 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?