MAZDA BONGO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 400 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
400
Avg Mileage
127,304 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1998 MAZDA BONGO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 26 years old, 69% of MAZDA BONGOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 400 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,304 miles.
How does the 1998 MAZDA BONGO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MAZDA BONGO has 127,304 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1998 MAZDA BONGO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 76% | 99 | 98,059 mi |
| 2020 | 74% | 210 | 86,171 mi |
| 2019 | 77% | 220 | 101,242 mi |
| 2018 | 78% | 277 | 100,079 mi |
| 2017 | 75% | 478 | 110,285 mi |
| 2016 | 72% | 753 | 114,318 mi |
| 2015 | 72% | 770 | 120,943 mi |
| 2014 | 68% | 804 | 125,212 mi |
| 2013 | 65% | 706 | 138,716 mi |
| 2012 | 68% | 548 | 146,888 mi |
| 2011 | 65% | 736 | 149,648 mi |
| 2010 | 64% | 863 | 144,418 mi |
| 2009 | 63% | 796 | 146,139 mi |
| 2008 | 66% | 1,072 | 156,410 mi |
| 2007 | 63% | 1,331 | 150,625 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 1,233 | 149,731 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 1,384 | 139,153 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 1,127 | 129,099 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 764 | 116,308 mi |
| 2002 | 76% | 780 | 105,775 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 738 | 107,775 mi |
| 2000 | 75% | 757 | 110,842 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 610 | 116,062 mi |
| 1998 | 69% | 400 | 127,304 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 573 | 137,918 mi |
| 1996 | 65% | 691 | 147,944 mi |
| 1995 | 64% | 504 | 157,843 mi |
Checking a specific MAZDA BONGO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 MAZDA BONGO
The 1998 MAZDA BONGO is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 400 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 81% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 127,304 miles at 26 years old, MAZDA BONGO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MAZDA BONGO Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 MAZDA BONGO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1998 MAZDA BONGO
At 26 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 1998 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:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+4%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+9%) from 7,815 tests