1998 Mazda Bongo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel than on all cars registered in 1998.

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

  20.9% All 1998 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.8%, against 4.4% of all 1998 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  12.3% All 1998 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.4% of all 1998 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  8.8% All 1998 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.1% of all 1998 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.

• Rear fog light3.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  7% All 1998 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 1.9% of all 1998 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.9× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  6.6% All 1998 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.3% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  35% 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
  34% 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
  26% 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
  25% 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
  20% 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 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel

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 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1998 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?