MAZDA BONGO1997 · 2.5L DIESEL

The 1997 Mazda Bongo passed its most recent MOT on 7 March 2025 at 189,555 miles, but the record shows a maintenance pattern that is stable rather than resolving. Several advisories have persisted across multiple tests. Power steering pinion seepage was flagged in every test from February 2023 through March 2025, indicating a slow but chronic leak that has not been rectified. Both front tyres were noted as perished or cracking in February 2023 and again in March 2025, suggesting replacement may have occurred between those dates but the issue has recurred. An offside headlamp lens defect appeared in both the 2023 and 2025 tests. Structural corrosion at the rear was noted in March 2025 with the caveat that rigidity was not significantly reduced, and a similar corrosion advisory appeared at the offside rear sill in August 2021. The vehicle failed a test on the same day it later passed in March 2025 due to a non-working windscreen washer, a minor but telling lapse in basic preparation. Mileage accumulation is remarkably consistent. Between February 2023 at 189,457 miles and March 2025 at 189,555 miles, the vehicle covered just 98 miles in over two years. The August 2021 test recorded 189,246 miles, meaning only 309 miles were added between August 2021 and March 2025. This is exceptionally low use for a commercial van of this age, pointing to prolonged periods of standing rather than regular service. The annualised figure of roughly 6,536 miles per year across the vehicle's life is typical, but the recent pattern is not. Extended standing can cause its own problems, including seized brakes, perished rubber components, dried-out seals, and localised corrosion from moisture sitting undisturbed. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the areas the MOT record repeatedly highlights. The power steering pinion seal has been weeping for at least three years; check the fluid level, the condition of the rack boots, and whether the steering feels heavy or knocks at full lock. Inspect both front tyre sidewalls closely and confirm the date codes, as perishing at this age and mileage pattern suggests age degradation rather than wear. Examine the rear sill ends and structural mounting points for corrosion, particularly the offside rear where weakness was specifically noted in 2021. The binding offside front brake flagged in August 2021 was not mentioned in subsequent tests, but a road test should still verify that the vehicle pulls straight under braking and that no caliper is sticking. Finally, check the headlamp aim and lens condition on the offside, and confirm the washer system operates correctly, as the same-day failure in March 2025 suggests the repair may have been a simple fluid top-up rather than a lasting fix.