2003 Mazda Bongo Friendee 2.0L Petrol · WL53 YDF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed the test in August 2025 at 92,460 miles, this followed a significant failure just four days prior. That failure revealed multiple critical safety issues, including a structural tear in the nearside front tyre and a perished outer wall, alongside an oil leak and a pitted offside rear brake disc. The resolution of these faults immediately before the pass suggests the owner only addresses defects when strictly necessary to pass the annual inspection test. At 23 years old, the recorded 92,460 miles is exceptionally low, averaging just over 4,000 miles per year. This low usage profile suggests the vehicle has sat for long periods, which explains the rapid degradation of rubber components noted in the recent history. Between May 2024 and July 2025, the vehicle covered only 3,420 miles, yet it still failed due to tyre-related structural issues. This disparity indicates that the mechanical and rubber components are likely failing due to age and environmental exposure rather than mileage-related wear. A buyer must inspect the offside rear braking assembly specifically, as the record shows thinning pads in 2022 followed by a pitted disc in 2025. The persistent offside rear oil leak noted in the two most recent tests requires a thorough examination to determine if it originates from a wheel seal or the differential housing. Furthermore, the history of anti-roll bar linkage play from 2022 necessitates a current check of all suspension bushes and ball joints for play or perished rubber. Given the low mileage and high age, a detailed inspection of the chassis for corrosion beneath the under tray is essential, as stationary vehicles often suffer from hidden structural rot that high-mileage vehicles avoid.