MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 91 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
91
Avg Mileage
99,174 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 21 years old, 88% of MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 91 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,174 miles.
How does the 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE has 99,174 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 91 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 99,174 miles at 21 years old, MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 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 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2003 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
At 21 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 91 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 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:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-17%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-17%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (-12%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-21%) from 18,423 tests