1999 Mazda B Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mazda B Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mazda B Series than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Chassis rust or damage4.2× usual
  Mazda B Series

  23.7% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2% of all 1999 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.

• Rear fog light6.4× usual
  Mazda B Series

  12.1% All 1999 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 1.8% of all 1999 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 cover3.4× usual
  Mazda B Series

  12.1% All 1999 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.1% of all 1999 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.

• Track rod ends2.8× usual
  Mazda B Series

  12.8% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Mazda B Series

  13.6% All 1999 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.7% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 1999 Mazda B Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mazda B Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  41% 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
  40% 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
  39% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  33% 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.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% 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 1999 Mazda B Series

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1999 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 1999 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1999 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?