Used car guide

2008 Mazda MPV diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Mazda MPV first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 114 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 114 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

114MOTs of 2008 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
36%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
8,800typical miles a year
59%had suspension flagged

Common 2008 Mazda MPV diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Mazda MPV diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    59% 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
    46% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Rust and bodywork
    37% 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.

  • Brakes
    31% 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
    29% 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
    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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Mazda MPV diesel

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mazda MPV?

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Other years

Every year of the Mazda MPV compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2012109Suspension 53%
2011116Suspension 40%
2010111Suspension 44%
2006135Suspension 47%
2005113Suspension 58%
2004–Too few tests
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests

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 MPV cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score