2018 Mazda Bongo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Mazda Bongo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Mazda Bongo than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Headlights13.4× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  13.4% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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 leaks8.7× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  8.7% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2018 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.

• Rear fog light38× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  7.6% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 0.2% of all 2018 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.

• Ball joint dust cover17.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  7% All 2018 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.2% of all 2018 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.

• Brake lights7.8× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  6.2% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.6% of all 2018 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 2018 Mazda Bongo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Mazda Bongo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  30% 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.

• Brakes
  26% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 13.4× as often on the 2018 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 8.7× as often on the 2018 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 38× as often on the 2018 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?