MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 38 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
38
Avg Mileage
115,079 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 25 years old, 76% of MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEEs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,079 miles.
How does the 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE has 115,079 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1999 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE cost to run?
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 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 115,079 miles at 25 years old, MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE Fuel Costs
The 1999cc 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 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% 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 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
At 25 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 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1999 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-8%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-3%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-5%) from 8,442 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2001) 70% pass rate (-6%) from 8,335 tests