2004 Mazda Bongo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mazda Bongo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mazda Bongo than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rear fog light5.8× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  8.7% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  11.8% All 2004 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  9% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.1% of all 2004 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.

• Body structure rust or damage2.4× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  7.1% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.9% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  3.9% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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 2004 Mazda Bongo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Mazda Bongo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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
  32% 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
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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
  18% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2004 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2004 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?