1997 Mazda Bongo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Mazda Bongo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Mazda Bongo than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  20.6% All 1997 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.4%, against 4.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rear fog light5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  10.9% All 1997 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 2.1% of all 1997 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.

• Headlights2.8× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  12.2% All 1997 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake pads2.7× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  10.9% All 1997 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Link ball joint covers10.8× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  6.5% All 1997 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.3% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1997 Mazda Bongo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Mazda Bongo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  23% 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
  22% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Mazda Bongo

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1997 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 1997 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1997 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?