2009 Mazda BT-50: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Mazda BT-50?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Mazda BT-50 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes4.3× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  31.3% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Chassis rust or damage8× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  11.2% All 2009 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.3% of all 2009 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.

• Steering box73× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  7.3% All 2009 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2009 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.

• Wheel bearings4.5× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  9.4% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Headlights2× usual
  Mazda BT-50

  13.7% All 2009 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3.7% of all 2009 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.

Common 2009 Mazda BT-50 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Mazda BT-50 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  43% 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
  42% 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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
  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 2009 Mazda BT-50

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2009 Mazda BT-50 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 2009 Mazda BT-50 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering box? (Flagged at MOT 73× as often on the 2009 Mazda BT-50 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?