CarCostCheck

FORD BONGO (2005)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2490cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel2490cc21 years old32 tests183k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2490cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2490cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 21 years old, 75% of FORD BONGOs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 182,921 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars252th of 526(top 48%)
Rank among FORD models935th of 1,167(top 80%)
vs national average-7%(82% avg)
vs 2005 cars average+3%(72% avg)
vs FORD average-10%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

182,921

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 FORD BONGO has 182,921 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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About the 2005 FORD BONGO

The 2005 FORD BONGO is a large car with a 2490cc diesel engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 182,921 miles at 21 years old, FORD BONGO owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 FORD BONGO Fuel Costs

The 2490cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2005 FORD BONGO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2005 FORD BONGO

At 21 years old, the FORD BONGO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2005 FORD BONGO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 183k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2005 FORD BONGO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD BONGO(2005)75%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007)75%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
BMW 3 SERIES(2005)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£145
FORD MONDEO(2007)71%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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