2005 Mazda Bongo Friendee 2.0L Petrol · MH05 MXD

The vehicle's current roadworthiness status appears stable following a recent failure in January 2026, though the maintenance trend shows signs of recurring suspension wear. The January 19, 2026, test at 185,366 miles resulted in a failure due to excessively worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joints on both the offside rear and nearside front, alongside inoperative rear fog and registration plate lamps. While the vehicle passed a retest two days later at 185,436 miles, the inspector noted that the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint still retains slight play. This indicates that while the most critical failures were addressed, minor play in the suspension components remains. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 8,800 miles per year. The records show steady progression from 152,099 miles in January 2023 to 185,436 miles in January 2026. This pattern suggests regular use rather than long periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2025 pass at 171,588 miles and the 2026 failure shows a typical annual interval, though the sudden appearance of multiple suspension faults in the most recent cycle suggests components are reaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the front and rear suspension systems during a physical inspection. The history reveals a pattern of deteriorating rubber components and ball joints, specifically the suspension arm ball joint dust covers and track rod end covers flagged in January 2024. The recurring issues with anti-roll bar linkages suggest that the entire suspension setup may require a comprehensive overhaul to prevent further play or noise. Beyond the suspension, check the condition of the tyres and lighting. The 2024 test highlighted a worn offside rear tyre, and the 2026 failure involved several electrical issues with rear lamps. Given the age of the vehicle and the specific faults recorded, inspecting the integrity of all rubber bushings and checking for any signs of structural corrosion around the suspension mounting points is highly recommended.