MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 40 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,342
£195/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2342/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 9 years old, 70% of MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEEs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,463 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
136,463
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE has 136,463 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2017 sits between the two at 70%.
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 2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
The 2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE is a large car with a 2499cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 136,463 miles at 9 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.
2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE Fuel Costs
The 2499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,342 (£195/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 MAZDA BONGO FRIENDEE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 9 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 136k 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.
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 2017 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(2017) | 70% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £2342 |
| BMW 5 SERIES(2018) | 91% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£305 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2018) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£305 |
| BMW X3(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£305 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2019) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£305 |
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
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