1996 Mazda Friendee 2.5L Diesel · N271 JNO
1996 Mazda Friendee (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01/02/1996. Recorded mileage 219,253 km. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/07/2027.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA FRIENDEE
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/07/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/07/2027)
- Recorded Odometer
- 219,253 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 1996
- Engine
- 2490cc
N271 JNO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/07/2025
- 219,253 km recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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N271 JNO Odometer History
- 04/07/2022200,054 mi
- 26/05/2023203,534 km
- 31/05/2024206,012 km+2,478 km
- 24/06/2025219,249 km+13,237 km
- 07/07/2025219,253 km+4 km
Average of roughly 6,379 km per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
N271 JNO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Mazda Friendee (N271 JNO) between July 2022 and July 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 July 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn Also upper runner split (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Inner Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Inner Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to the vehicle's significant age and high mileage. While the recent MOT history is clean, the Mazda Friendee is a complex import that requires a specialist owner who understands its unique maintenance needs.
When inspecting this Friendee, focus heavily on the cooling system, which is a notorious weak point for this model. Ensure the engine temperature remains stable during a long test drive, as overheating can lead to catastrophic head gasket failure. Check for any signs of 'milky' oil or coolant leaks around the radiator.
Verify the condition of the pop-top roof mechanism if applicable, as parts for these are becoming increasingly difficult to source. Given the vehicle's age, look for any evidence of previous rust repairs or welding on the chassis, as these older imports are prone to corrosion in the UK climate.
As a 2.5-litre diesel, fuel economy will be modest by modern standards, particularly given the boxy aerodynamics of the Friendee. Expect to budget for higher-than-average maintenance costs, as sourcing parts for a 32-year-old Japanese import often requires specialist suppliers or importing components from overseas.
Insurance may be more affordable if you can secure a classic car policy, provided the vehicle is not used as a primary daily commuter. Annual tax should be manageable, but you must account for frequent servicing to keep the older diesel engine running reliably.
While the recent MOT history shows no defects, do not let this replace a physical inspection. Thoroughly check the underside for structural corrosion, paying attention to the sills, wheel arches, and chassis rails. Even if the MOT tester did not flag issues, surface rust can quickly become a structural problem on a vehicle of this vintage.
Test every electrical component, including the windows, central locking, and any auxiliary heating or camping equipment. Inspect the engine bay for signs of oil seepage and ensure the timing belt has been replaced within the recommended intervals, as a failure here would be terminal for the engine.
This 1994 Mazda Friendee is a classic Japanese import showing an impressive 219,253 miles on the clock. Despite its high mileage, the vehicle has managed to secure clean MOT passes for the last four years. It represents a niche camper-style vehicle that offers a unique driving experience, though its age and mechanical complexity necessitate a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
There is no aggregate reliability data for the Mazda Friendee, but owners typically report that the 2.5-litre diesel engine is robust if the cooling system is kept in perfect working order.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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