2013 Mazda Bongo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Engine oil leaks4.2× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  18.3% All 2013 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings43.7× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  13.1% All 2013 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Rigid brake pipes3.3× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  13.1% All 2013 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

• Headlights3.3× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  10.4% All 2013 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.5% of all 2013 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 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 43.7× as often on the 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2013 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?