Mazda Bongo (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,127 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,641
£220/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2500cc Diesel
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.
70% of MOT tests on Mazda Bongos from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,127 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,099 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
129,099
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Mazda Bongo had 129,099 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2004 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 Mazda Bongo
The 2004 Mazda Bongo is a large car. Our records list a 2500cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,127 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 129,099 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda Bongo owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 Mazda Bongo Fuel Costs
The 2500cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2004 Mazda Bongo?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 Mazda Bongo
At 22 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 129k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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 2004 Mazda Bongo stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda Bongo(2004) | 70% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641 |
| Honda Civic(2006) | 71% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641same |
| BMW 3 Series(2005) | 78% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 30-42 | £2,641same |
| Land Rover Discovery(2006) | 78% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641same |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006) | 81% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 30-42 | £2,491-£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2004 Mazda Bongo
Is the 2004 Mazda Bongo reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2004 Mazda Bongos ended in a pass, from 1,127 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Mazda Bongo cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Mazda Bongo?
70% of 1,127 MOT tests on the 2004 Mazda Bongo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 309th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).
Which year Mazda Bongo has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Mazda Bongo has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 2009 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Mazda Bongo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Mazda Bongo is 129,099 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
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