2002 Mazda Bongo Petrol · RG02 UZX

Structural corrosion is the overriding mechanical concern in this Mazda Bongo's MOT history, with two separate structural Major defects recorded in early 2022 involving suspension component mounting points and inner sill areas. The offside rear inner sill failure on 18 February 2026 is particularly serious, as corrosion at a prescribed suspension mounting area that significantly reduces structural strength is the type of finding that can rapidly progress to a Dangerous category if left unaddressed, and it suggests the inner sill and adjacent chassis areas warrant close physical inspection on a ramp for bubbling, paint lifting, or perforation spreading beyond what was visible to the tester. Beyond the structural issues, the nearside rear anti-roll bar d-bush has now been flagged as worn on consecutive examinations in February 2026, suggesting the link is approaching the threshold of excess movement and will likely become a Major at the next test if not replaced. With 94,000 miles recorded over an 11-year lifespan, annual accumulation works out at roughly 8,545 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial of this age and points to steady rather than light use. There are no obvious multi-year gaps in the testing record that would suggest the vehicle was laid up, which means wear-related items such as suspension bushes, brake components, and steering linkages have been accumulating fatigue at a normal rate. The mileage progression itself is not flagged as suspicious, but the combination of moderate-to-high mileage with structural corrosion findings is a known concern on Bongo chassis of this era, particularly around the inner sills, jacking points, and suspension turret areas where moisture and road salt collect. For the test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension and steering, given the recurring anti-roll bar d-bush advisory and the two structural mounting defects. Listen for clonks or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, which would indicate the anti-roll bar link has worn beyond the advisory threshold, and feel for any vagueness or wandering through the steering that could point to deteriorated front bushes or corroded mounting points following the nearside front suspension arm corrosion finding from 2022. On the brake pedal, any judder under firm application or a pulsating sensation through the pedal would be consistent with the seriously weakened front brake disc flagged as Dangerous in March 2022, and the discs and pads should be physically inspected for lipping, scoring, and remaining material thickness. Finally, walk around the vehicle in daylight looking closely at the lower sill seams, rear wheel arch lips, and the area behind the front wheels for any evidence of fresh welding, underseal patches, or emerging rust bubbles, as the pattern of chassis corrosion in this record indicates these are the areas most likely to dictate the vehicle's long-term roadworthiness.