2001 Mazda B Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mazda B Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mazda B Series than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Chassis rust or damage5.3× usual
  Mazda B Series

  23.9% All 2001 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.6% of all 2001 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Mazda B Series

  32.2% All 2001 cars

  17.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.7% of all 2001 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.

• Wheel bearings3.5× usual
  Mazda B Series

  14.5% All 2001 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.1% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Mazda B Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mazda B Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% 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
  32% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  32% 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
  15% 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 2001 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 5.3× as often on the 2001 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2001 Mazda B Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?