CarCostCheck

MAZDA BONGO (1997)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 573 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

71%

Total Tests (2024)

573

Avg Mileage

137,918 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,397

Is the 1997 MAZDA BONGO reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 27 years old, 71% of MAZDA BONGOs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 573 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 137,918 miles.

How does the 1997 MAZDA BONGO compare?

Rank among all 1997 cars221th out of 320(top 69%)
Rank among all MAZDA models371th out of 483(top 77%)
vs national average-11% (82% avg)
vs 1997 cars average-4% (75% avg)
vs MAZDA average-10% (81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1997 MAZDA BONGO has 137,918 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Best year to buy a MAZDA BONGO?

The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1997 sits between the two at 71%.

How much does a 1997 MAZDA BONGO cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 2490cc)
£1,592
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,397
Per month£200/mo

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

MAZDA BONGO by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202176%9998,059 mi
202074%21086,171 mi
201977%220101,242 mi
201878%277100,079 mi
201775%478110,285 mi
201672%753114,318 mi
201572%770120,943 mi
201468%804125,212 mi
201365%706138,716 mi
201268%548146,888 mi
201165%736149,648 mi
201064%863144,418 mi
200963%796146,139 mi
200866%1,072156,410 mi
200763%1,331150,625 mi
200667%1,233149,731 mi
200568%1,384139,153 mi
200470%1,127129,099 mi
200371%764116,308 mi
200276%780105,775 mi
200174%738107,775 mi
200075%757110,842 mi
199973%610116,062 mi
199869%400127,304 mi
199771%573137,918 mi
199665%691147,944 mi
199564%504157,843 mi

Checking a specific MAZDA BONGO?

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About the 1997 MAZDA BONGO

The 1997 MAZDA BONGO is a large car with a 2490cc petrol engine. 573 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 137,918 miles at 27 years old, MAZDA BONGO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 MAZDA BONGO Fuel Costs

The 2490cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 MAZDA BONGO?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA BONGO Reliability Trend

The MAZDA BONGO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 MAZDA BONGO

At 27 years old, the MAZDA 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.

Alternatives to the 1997 MAZDA BONGO

If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: