2017 Mazda Bongo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mazda Bongo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mazda Bongo than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Headlights15.1× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  16.6% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1% of all 2017 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.

• Engine oil leaks8.8× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  12.3% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Braking performance5.7× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  9.1% All 2017 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Anti-roll bar link joints13.2× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  7.9% All 2017 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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 light24.7× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  7.4% All 2017 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Mazda Bongo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mazda Bongo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  29% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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 2017 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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 15.1× as often on the 2017 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 8.8× as often on the 2017 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2017 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?