2009 Mazda Bongo 2.5L Petrol · R302 ATR

The most recent MOT, carried out on 24 July 2026, was passed but flagged with advisories for a coolant leak and an oil leak. Over the last seven years the vehicle’s MOT record shows a mixture of passes and fails, with recurring major failures for rear sill corrosion, multiple lighting faults and a persistent brake‑pad wear advisory. While the latest pass suggests that the immediate safety‑critical items have been addressed, the pattern of recurring structural rust, fluid leaks and wear‑related advisories indicates an overall maintenance trend that is unstable and leaning towards deterioration rather than steady improvement. At 246,087 miles recorded for a 2009 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 14,500 miles per year, well above the typical UK private‑car average of 10‑12,000 miles. Such a high utilisation rate accelerates wear on engine seals, suspension bushings, steering components and the braking system, and it also increases the likelihood of fatigue‑related cracking in the chassis and body panels. The mileage history does not reveal any long periods of inactivity that might have allowed corrosion to progress unchecked, but the consistent high mileage compounds the effect of the documented under‑body rust and suggests that consumables such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and tyre rubber will be nearing the end of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear sill areas that have been recorded as severely corroded, as loss of structural rigidity can manifest as chassis flex, especially when cornering or when the vehicle is loaded. Inspect the sill panels for flaking paint, rust pits and any signs of metal thinning; a firm tap with a hammer should produce a solid, non‑hollow sound. The coolant and oil leak advisories mean the cooling system and engine oil seals must be examined for wet spots under the engine bay, a low coolant reservoir level, or oil stains on the exhaust manifold. While driving, listen for a steady drip or a faint hiss from the radiator area, and watch for rising engine temperature or oil pressure warnings. The brake system shows thin rear pads and pitted rear discs, with front discs also noted as scored; expect reduced braking efficiency, possible shudder under heavy braking and uneven pad wear that may be audible as a high‑pitched squeal. Verify that the brake calipers move freely and that there is no excessive disc rust on the backing plates. Lighting failures have been a recurrent issue – both registration plate lamps and headlamps have been recorded as inoperative or mis‑aimed – so confirm that all external lights illuminate correctly, that the headlamp aim is symmetrical and that the windscreen washer jets deliver a steady spray without blockage. Beyond the specific faults, the vehicle’s age and mileage demand a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking or dry rot, even if tread depth appears adequate. The 12‑volt battery, likely over fifteen years old, should be load‑tested to ensure it can sustain a cold‑crank, and the electrolyte level checked if it is a conventional lead‑acid type. All service‑interval fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – should be sampled for colour, particulates and moisture, as time alone can degrade their protective properties. Finally, a comprehensive under‑body walk‑around to spot any new rust, especially around the brake pipe, wheel arches and floor panels, will help gauge whether the previously noted corrosion is being contained or is spreading, allowing the buyer to budget for rust repair or panel replacement before the vehicle becomes structurally unsafe.