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Official DVLA Record

1996 Mazda Bongo 2.5L Diesel · P132 CPR

P132 CPR

1996 Mazda Bongo (2.5L, diesel). First registered 31 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 208,809 miles. MOT expired on 12 Mar 2026. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
MAZDA BONGO
Year / Origin
1996 · Preston
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 12 Mar 2026
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
208,809 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.5L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 12 Mar 2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
1996
Engine
2490cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2025-03-13 recorded a pass, but it included corrosion in suspension mounting areas and a damaged nearside rear tyre. Previous tests reveal a recurring pattern of structural and corrosion issues, with the 2025-03-03 failure highlighting excessive corrosion on rear suspension mounts and a missing rear fog lamp. While the latest test showed no critical failures, the persistence of corrosion and minor defects suggests maintenance has not fully addressed underlying risks. The trend indicates a stable but cautious status, with no significant improvement in structural integrity or component durability. The vehicle’s mileage of 208,809 miles over 30 years aligns with an average of 6,960 miles annually, reflecting moderate use. However, gaps in MOT records—such as the 13-month interval between 2024-02-21 and 2025-03-03—raise questions about maintenance consistency. During this period, mileage increased by just 2,199 miles, implying periods of inactivity that may have exacerbated corrosion. Earlier tests from 2023-02-13 and 2024-02-13 show a mix of minor and structural defects, including coolant leaks and body corrosion, underscoring the need for thorough inspection of aged components. Key areas for in-person evaluation include the suspension system, particularly rear mounting points and anti-roll bar joints, which have shown repeated corrosion and wear. Structural integrity is compromised by documented body rust, especially around the offside rear and front areas, which could affect safety. Brake components, including pipes and rear calipers, require scrutiny for corrosion or binding, while headlamp alignment and tyre condition should be verified. The absence of recent MOT data beyond March 2025 also warrants caution, as undetected issues may have emerged since.
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P132 CPR Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 13/03/2025
  • 208,809 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

P132 CPR MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 17 Sept 2026, 16:54
MOT Analysis

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 Bongo (P132 CPR) between February 2023 and March 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 13 March 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 5 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: “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”; “Rear fog lamp missing (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

P132 CPR Mileage History

  1. 13/02/2023205,397 mi
  2. 13/02/2024206,582 mi+1,185 mi
  3. 21/02/2024206,610 mi+28 mi
  4. 03/03/2025208,807 mi+2,197 mi
  5. 13/03/2025208,809 mi+2 mi

Average of roughly 1,642 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
45
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
28/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£900-£1,200
Mileage
At 208,809 miles recorded in March 2025,...

Our Verdict

Approach this 1996 Mazda Bongo with significant caution due to repeated structural corrosion failures at recent MOTs. Unless priced as a project or inspected by a specialist, it is a poor choice for a typical buyer.

Given the 2024 MOT failure for Offside Inner sill and Offside Rear structure corroded to the point of significantly reduced rigidity, any purchase should be conditional on a professional inspection of the chassis and sills, ideally on a ramp. Negotiate firmly on price to reflect the likely need for welding and structural repair, as the 2025 pass still notes Nearside Rear suspension mounting corrosion. Check for a full service history given the 2490cc diesel engine and high mileage, and confirm the headlamp aim and rear fog lamp issues from the 2025 failure have been permanently resolved rather than temporarily fixed for the retest.

As a 1996 diesel vehicle with a 2490cc engine, this Bongo will fall into a older tax class with relatively low VED but poor real-world fuel economy compared to modern vans, likely in the high 20s mpg. Insurance group data is not provided but classic or commercial policies for a 30-year-old camper-style vehicle are typically modest. Typical maintenance will include regular checks of corroding brake pipes and suspension mounts; we estimate annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and routine upkeep at £900-£1,200, before any structural repairs.

The MOT failures show Offside Rear suspension mounting excessively corroded and Offside Inner sill and rear structure corroded to significantly reduced rigidity in 2024, so inspect those areas closely for fresh welding or patch repairs. The 2025 failure included Offside Rear brake pipe excessively corroded and both headlamp aims incorrect plus a missing rear fog lamp; verify brake pipes and lamp function now. Also note the 2024 coolant leak and anti-roll bar dust cover failures on both fronts, and the 2023 advisories for corroded front brake pipes and deteriorated anti-roll bar covers, meaning all round corrosion and steering joint protection need checking.

This green 2.5-litre diesel Mazda Bongo registered P132CPR in September 1996 has covered 208,809 miles as of its last MOT in March 2025. The MOT history shows two failures in the last two years for serious structural corrosion, brake pipe issues, and missing lamps, though it passed in March 2025 with only minor corrosion and tyre ageing noted. With no aggregate model reliability data available, the individual history points to an ageing vehicle with escalating body and suspension concerns.

No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Mazda Bongo, so assessment relies solely on this vehicle's individual history which shows corrosion as the dominant concern.

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