1996 MAZDA BONGO2.5L DIESEL

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a clear trend of escalating mechanical neglect and structural degradation. While it passed the most recent test in March 2026 at 221,118 miles, the record reveals multiple new advisories regarding deteriorated CV boots, perished tyres, and a play in rear wheel bearing. These issues suggest that the owner is only addressing the minimum requirements to pass the MOT test rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance on the drivetrain and safety-related components. At 221,118 miles over 30 years, the Bongo shows a consistent usage pattern of approximately 7,400 miles per year. The data between September 2023 and September 2024 shows a rapid accumulation of 4,000 miles, yet this period coincided with a significant failure involving critical structural and braking faults. The gap between the 2024 failure and the March 2026 pass indicates that the vehicle's mechanical integrity is constantly being challenged by high mileage and recurring component failures. A buyer must prioritise a thorough structural inspection of the chassis and sills. The September 2024 failure flagged excessive corrosion on the offside rear structure that impaired the stability of the body, following a 2023 advisory regarding the nearside rear sill section. Given the recurring nature of corrosion on all four coil springs as noted in 2025, the risk of sudden structural failure or expensive suspension-related repairs is high. Mechanical attention is also required for the braking system and drivetrain rubberwork. The history shows recurring issues with thin pads, pitted discs, and binding calipers across multiple years, indicating a lack of consistent brake maintenance. The severe deterioration of both front outer drive shaft boots noted in 2026 poses a risk of joint failure if not replaced immediately. Any purchaser should verify the wheel bearings and track rod ends to ensure that the faults identified in the previous failures have been properly rectified rather than merely patched.