1997 Mazda Bongo 2.5L Diesel · P112 FTT

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 26 May 2026 at 307 720 miles, confirming it is currently road‑worthy. The trend of recurring faults, however, is clearly deteriorating. The 2026 test flagged offside rear anti‑roll bar ball joint play and nearside body corrosion, while earlier tests repeatedly recorded severe corrosion of rear suspension mounting points and the same anti‑roll bar linkages. The persistence of these issues indicates a progressive decline in structural and suspension integrity rather than a stable or improving condition. Mileage accumulation over the vehicle’s 29‑year life averages 10 600 miles per year, which is typical for a car of this age. The record shows a 1 891‑mile increase between 296 829 miles in April 2025 and 307 720 miles in May 2026, an average of 840 miles per month, slightly above the long‑term average but within expected variation. The jump from 275 781 miles in May 2020 to 289 854 miles in April 2023 represents 14 073 miles over 35 months, about 402 miles per month, again consistent with the overall pattern. No unusually long gaps appear in the testing history, and the mileage increments are steady, suggesting regular use rather than sporadic or prolonged idling. A prospective buyer should focus on the components that have repeatedly failed. Inspect the rear suspension mounting points, especially the offside inner and outer sections, for corrosion and structural loss, as these were flagged in five separate MOTs. Examine the anti‑roll bar linkages and ball joints on both sides for wear, play, and dust‑cover integrity. Verify the brake system: thin pads and worn discs were recorded on several occasions, and the condition of the steering rack and hydraulic fluid should be checked, given the serious leak noted in April 2022. Confirm that the body structure, particularly the sill and arch, remains sound despite corrosion, and that seat‑belt anchorage points are intact. Finally, assess tyre tread depth and sidewall condition, as edge wear and cracking have been repeatedly documented.