1999 Mazda Bongo 2.5L Diesel · V195 BAN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean passes to emerging mechanical wear. While it passed the latest test in February 2026 at 234,418 miles, several advisories appeared that were absent in previous years. The presence of severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both front suspension arms and a worn nearside anti-roll bar linkage indicates that the suspension components are now reaching the end of their service life due to age. The mileage pattern is consistent with the vehicle's 27-year age, averaging approximately 8,700 miles per year. Between March 2024 and February 2026, the vehicle covered 20,262 miles, representing a higher usage rate of roughly 10,000 miles per annum. The significant gap between June 2022 and March 2024, where only 57 miles were recorded, suggests a period of very low use which often contributes to the degradation of rubber components and seals over time. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the front suspension geometry, as the deteriorated dust covers will allow moisture and grit to enter the joints, leading to premature failure. The recorded non-excessive oil leak requires close visual scrutiny to determine if it originates from a simple gasket cover or a more significant engine seal. Additionally, the light patches of underside corrosion noted in 2022 necessitate a thorough check of the chassis rails and mounting points to ensure that surface rust has not progressed into structural perishing over the last four years.