2002 Mazda Bongo 2.5L Petrol · BA02 AKY

The 2002 Mazda Bongo currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 14 April 2026 at 84,930 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean pass is significant because it follows a failed test just four days earlier on 10 April 2026 at 84,918 miles, where the tester flagged both rear shock absorbers leaking fluid and both rear service brakes excessively binding. The fact that these defects were rectified within four days suggests the previous owner addressed them promptly rather than ignoring them. The maintenance trend over the past two years is therefore improving, with the vehicle moving from a pattern of recurring suspension and brake advisories toward a fully compliant state. The mileage profile tells a clear story of very light use. At roughly 24 years old with 84,930 recorded miles, the annual average sits at approximately 3,539 miles per year, well below the UK typical of 8,000 to 12,000 miles annually. The gap between the April 2024 test at 78,062 miles and the April 2025 test at 84,235 miles shows a jump of 6,173 miles in twelve months, which is the highest single-year accumulation in the record. Before that, the vehicle covered only around 6,173 miles over the prior year. This uneven pattern could indicate a change of use or a period of heavier driving, but the overall low total mileage means wear on drivetrain components, suspension bushes, and structural elements should be minimal provided the vehicle has not spent extended periods standing still, which can cause seized brakes, perished rubber bushes, and localised corrosion. The recurring theme across the MOT history is suspension and braking components requiring attention. Both rear shock absorbers were noted with light oil misting in April 2024 and then deteriorated to serious fluid leaks by April 2026, indicating a progressive failure rather than a sudden one. The rear brakes were binding on the most recent failure, which on a low-mileage van often points to seized caliper slides or sticking handbrake mechanisms caused by infrequent use rather than high-mileage wear. A buyer should physically inspect the rear calipers, handbrake cables, and shock absorber mounting points for corrosion or seizure. The anti-roll bar linkage dust covers on both front sides have been flagged as severely deteriorated in two consecutive tests, meaning the ball joints themselves may now be contaminated and worn despite the clean pass. Beyond the flagged items, a prospective buyer should examine the underside for structural corrosion, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points, sills, and brake lines, as older light commercial vehicles are vulnerable to corrosion even at low mileage if used on salted roads. The front wiper blade fault appearing twice suggests the wiper linkage or blade arm may need attention beyond simply replacing the rubber. Tyre condition and date codes should also be checked, as low-mileage vehicles frequently sit on the same set of tyres for years, leading to perishing regardless of remaining tread depth.