Mazda Bongo Friendee

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 1,232 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

1,232

Highest Pass Rate

2004 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda Bongo Friendee

The Mazda Bongo Friendee was MOT tested 1,232 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (1997 to 2020), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 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 petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 89% from 126 tests. The 2005 model has the lowest at 78%. The 11 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

Newer Mazda Bongo Friendees pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 143,011 miles, while the newest (2020) averages 112,571 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the Bongo Friendee is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mazda models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1990cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,086

Per month£174/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 2020 details

How reliable is the Mazda Bongo Friendee?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average-5% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread11 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mazda Bongo Friendee by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	93%	43	112,571 mi
2017	70%	40	136,463 mi
2016	65%	46	128,564 mi
2015	77%	70	109,034 mi
2014	61%	75	126,398 mi
2013	65%	40	117,328 mi
2011	65%	46	162,945 mi
2009	61%	44	123,721 mi
2007	87%	67	187,266 mi
2006	81%	59	125,309 mi
2005	78%	125	109,955 mi
2004	89%	126	98,201 mi
2003	88%	91	99,174 mi
2002	79%	163	90,086 mi
2001	80%	82	109,911 mi
2000	83%	42	98,714 mi
1999	76%	38	115,079 mi
1997	71%	35	143,011 mi

Questions about the Mazda Bongo Friendee

Is the Mazda Bongo Friendee reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (1997 to 2020), the Mazda Bongo Friendee averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 1,232 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2004 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 89%.

Which year Mazda Bongo Friendee has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Mazda Bongo Friendee has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 78%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.