Mazda B Series

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 10 model years from 2,852 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests

2,852

Highest Pass Rate

2001 (76%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda B Series

The Mazda B Series was MOT tested 2,852 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 10 model years (1995 to 2006), with an average pass rate of 73%. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 192 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Mazda B Series has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1995) averages 104,863 miles, while the newest (2006) averages 115,029 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the B Series is 8 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mazda models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2499cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2006 details

How reliable is the Mazda B Series?

vs average of all models-9% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average-8% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread6 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Mazda B Series by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	73%	244	115,029 mi
2005	72%	595	110,924 mi
2004	70%	304	117,876 mi
2003	72%	399	122,590 mi
2002	72%	421	125,247 mi
2001	76%	192	127,878 mi
2000	71%	286	133,062 mi
1999	71%	279	126,167 mi
1998	73%	100	108,386 mi
1995	78%	32	104,863 mi

Questions about the Mazda B Series

Is the Mazda B Series reliable?

Across its 10 model years in our data (1995 to 2006), the Mazda B Series averages a 73% MOT pass rate, from 2,852 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2001 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.

Which year Mazda B Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 Mazda B Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.