MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
35
Avg Mileage
143,011 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE 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 BONGO FRIENDEEs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,011 miles.
How does the 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE has 143,011 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 FRIENDEE?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 61%. The 1997 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE 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 FRIENDEE by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is a large car with a 2490cc diesel engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 143,011 miles at 27 years old, MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE Fuel Costs
The 2490cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 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 FRIENDEE Reliability Trend
Older MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEEs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
At 27 years old, the MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (-1%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+5%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 3,080 tests