MAZDA BONGO (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,384 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 21 years old, 68% of MAZDA BONGOs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,384 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 139,153 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
139,153
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 MAZDA BONGO has 139,153 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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2005 sits between the two at 68%.
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 2005 MAZDA BONGO
The 2005 MAZDA BONGO is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 1,384 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 139,153 miles at 21 years old, MAZDA BONGO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 MAZDA BONGO Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2005 MAZDA BONGO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% 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 2005 MAZDA BONGO
At 21 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
Based on the 2005 MAZDA BONGO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 21 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 139k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2005 MAZDA BONGO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA BONGO(2005) | 68% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| FORD FOCUS(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£530 |
| MINI MINI(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2007) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£180 |
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.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
MAZDA 2
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2015 · 1998cc Petrol
MAZDA CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2007 · 1596cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2007 · 1598cc Petrol
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