1998 Mazda Bongo Campervan 2.5L Petrol · K1 FOF

The most recent MOT, conducted on 28 July 2025 at 110,509 miles, resulted in a pass, but the maintenance trend over the preceding twelve months reveals a pattern of escalating structural and mechanical neglect. Three days prior, on 25 July 2025 at 110,497 miles, the vehicle failed with high exhaust emissions and multiple advisories. A month before that, on 30 June 2025 at 110,484 miles, the failure was significantly more severe, citing significantly reduced structural rigidity at both rear seat belt anchorages and rear sills, alongside a non-functioning horn and inoperative rear lamp. The July pass indicates the owner addressed the immediate failure points, yet the underlying corrosion and wear advisories remain unresolved, pointing to a reactive rather than preventative maintenance approach. At 28 years old with 110,509 miles recorded, this Bongo has covered roughly 3,947 miles per year, which is exceptionally low. The mileage data reinforces this light usage. Between the August 2022 test at 109,776 miles and the September 2023 test at 110,437 miles, the vehicle accumulated 661 miles in thirteen months. From September 2023 to the June 2025 failure at 110,484 miles, it added just 47 miles over nearly two years. Such minimal accumulation suggests long periods of standing, which is often more detrimental to a vehicle than regular use, as it promotes moisture retention, seal perishing, and localised corrosion in brake and fuel systems. A buyer must treat the underside and structural integrity as the primary concern. The June 2025 failure specifically flagged significantly reduced strength at the nearside and offside rear seat belt anchorage prescribed areas on the sills, a critical safety defect. While the July 2025 pass notes the sill structure as repaired, the quality and longevity of that repair on a 28-year-old commercial van chassis require thorough professional inspection. The rear coil springs have been consistently flagged as corroded across multiple tests, including the most recent pass, meaning they remain a live advisory and a potential fracture risk. The rear brake discs are also repeatedly noted as worn, pitted, or scored, indicating a chronic lack of renewal. Beyond the structure, the recurring advisories paint a picture of deferred upkeep. Both rear lower suspension arms and front lower suspension arms have been flagged as corroded in past tests, and the front brake pipes were noted as corroded and covered in grease or other material in 2023. The exhaust system has a documented minor leak and previously failed emissions tests, suggesting the catalytic converter or manifold may be deteriorating. Tyres across all corners have repeatedly appeared on the record as perished or cracking, a clear sign of age-related degradation rather than wear, meaning the rubber is likely well past its safe service life regardless of tread depth. Any inspection must include a detailed underbody examination, a check of the seat belt mounting points, and confirmation that all perished tyres have been replaced.