MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 46 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 10 years old, 65% of MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEEs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 46 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,564 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
128,564
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE has 128,564 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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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 2016 sits between the two at 65%.
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 2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The 2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 46 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 128,564 miles at 10 years old, MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
At 10 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 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 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 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 129k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2016 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(2016) | 65% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£720 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£815 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£720 |
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.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
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