2015 Mazda Bongo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mazda Bongo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo diesel than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Engine oil leaks8.5× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  20.3% All 2015 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2015 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.

• Exhaust system6.9× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  15.2% All 2015 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.6% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 2015 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% 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
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 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 8.5× as often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?