MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 82 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2500cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2500cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 25 years old, 80% of MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEEs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 82 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,911 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
109,911
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE has 109,911 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2001 sits between the two at 80%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The 2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is a large car with a 2500cc petrol engine. 82 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 109,911 miles at 25 years old, MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE Fuel Costs
The 2500cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2001 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 82 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 110k 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.
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 2001 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE(2001) | 80% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2003) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
| BMW Z4(2003) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
| PORSCHE 911(2003) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£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.
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