1998 Mazda Bongo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.6× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  11.6% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 4.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Brake pads2.4× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  11% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 1998 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.

Common 1998 Mazda Bongo petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  42% 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
  36% 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
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  22% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Mazda Bongo petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1998 Mazda Bongo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 Mazda Bongo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?