Mazda Bongo Friendee (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 91 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1999cc23 years old91 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1999cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mazda brand average of 81%.

88% of MOT tests on Mazda Bongo Friendees from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 91 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,174 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models34th of 429(top 8%)

Rank among Mazda models186th of 459(top half)

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

vs 2003 models average+16%(72% avg)

vs Mazda average+7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,174

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee had 99,174 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2003 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-17%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

-17%

Toyota Corolla

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

76%

-12%

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-21%

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About the 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee

The 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee is a family car. Our records list a 1999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 91 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 99,174 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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

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.

Buying a Used 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee

At 23 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Medium risk

With an average of 99k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda Bongo Friendee(2003)	88%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Toyota Corolla(2005)	76%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee

Is the 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendees ended in a pass, from 91 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee?

88% of 91 MOT tests on the 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 34th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 8%).

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% and the 2005 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee is 99,174 miles, 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.