1997 Mazda Bongo petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Mazda Bongo first registered in 1997 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 247 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 247 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1997 Mazda Bongo petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Mazda Bongo petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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.
- Brakes33% 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 electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
- Tyres19% 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 bodywork13% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Mazda Bongo petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mazda Bongo?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mazda Bongo compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 157 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2020 | 352 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2019 | 361 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2018 | 476 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2017 | 674 | Suspension 38% |
| 2016 | 1,065 | Suspension 40% |
| 2015 | 1,159 | Suspension 40% |
| 2014 | 1,185 | Suspension 46% |
| 2013 | 993 | Suspension 45% |
| 2012 | 858 | Suspension 47% |
| 2011 | 1,005 | Suspension 50% |
| 2010 | 1,177 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 1,061 | Suspension 52% |
| 2008 | 1,416 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 1,825 | Suspension 50% |
| 2006 | 1,793 | Suspension 51% |
| 2005 | 2,116 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 1,638 | Suspension 39% |
| 2003 | 1,125 | Suspension 34% |
| 2002 | 1,534 | Suspension 33% |
| 2001 | 1,394 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 2000 | 1,310 | Suspension 36% |
| 1999 | 1,306 | Suspension 40% |
| 1998 | 874 | Suspension 47% |
| 1996 | 1,397 | Suspension 53% |
| 1995 | 1,131 | Suspension 54% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda Bongo cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score