1998 Mazda Bongo 2.5L Diesel · R24 LAF

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding structural integrity and suspension wear. While the most recent test in May 2023 at 139,297 miles passed, the record noted a persistent oil leak and deteriorating offside front steering linkage ball joint dust covers. The presence of corrosion on the offside rear vehicle structure, while not yet compromising structural rigidity, indicates that the age-related chassis condition is entering a stage where oxidation will require proactive management to prevent future failure. At 28 years old, the recorded mileage of 139,297 miles represents a low annual usage of approximately 5,000 miles per year. The data shows very consistent intervals between MOT tests, with only 6,099 miles covered between May 2020 and May 2023. This low-frequency use on a vehicle of this age often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components due to perish, which is consistent with the recurring failures of ball joint dust covers and tyre tears seen in the record. A physical inspection must focus on the offside rear structural area and the front suspension assembly. The tester flagged corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting area in 2020, which progressed to general structural corrosion by 2023. A buyer should check for deep-seated rust in the sills and wheel arches. Furthermore, the recurring issues with the offside front ball joint dust covers and anti-roll bar linkages suggest that the front suspension components are reaching the end of their service life and require a thorough check for play or perished perished.