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N497 MPV

1996 Mazda Bongo Friendee

White Diesel 2490cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires26 Feb 2026
Tests29 (18 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate62.1%

Mileage

220,131 mi
Last recorded220,131 miles
Recorded on27 Feb 2025
Typical for 1996 Mazda Bongo Friendee141,324 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationN497 MPV
MakeMazda
ModelBongo Friendee
Year1996
ColourWhite
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,490cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 11 fail
Pass 27 Feb 2025 220,131 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Underside of vehicle in general (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 14 Aug 2023 220,048 miles

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 10 Aug 2023 220,041 miles

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis box section (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 19 Aug 2022 218,765 miles

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 25 Mar 2021 217,073 miles

Offside Rear Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis above shock absorber (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

surface rust on chassis and floor

Pass 26 May 2020 214,518 miles

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Crossmember Holed And Corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Inner Arches (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Outer Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Inner Arche (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Outer Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 19 May 2020 214,518 miles

Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Crossmember Holed And Corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Inner Arches (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Outer Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Inner Arche (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Outer Sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 23 May 2019 207,247 miles

Front Vehicle structure is fractured but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is fractured but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 23 May 2018 200,433 miles

Oil leak ()

chassis has slight corrosion

Fail 18 May 2018 200,415 miles

Nearside Front Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill (5.2.6)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded center sill (5.2.6)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Inner Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded sill and chassis (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded chassis (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded cross member (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded center sill (5.2.6)

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

chassis has slight corrosion

Coolant leak ()

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Oil leak ()

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 8 May 2017 194,171 miles
Pass 23 Jan 2017 193,721 miles

Nearside Front steering track rod end gaitor starting to perish.

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Upper anti rollbar gaitor starting to perish

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

exhaust tail pipe starting to corrode.

offside rear brake light/side light lens cracked.

power steering rack has misting of oil on offside.

rear wheel arches starting to corrode.

underside of vehicle starting to corrode.

Fail 19 Jan 2017 193,721 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Front Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Front steering track rod end gaitor starting to perish.

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Upper anti rollbar gaitor starting to perish

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

exhaust tail pipe starting to corrode.

offside rear brake light/side light lens cracked.

power steering rack has misting of oil on offside.

rear wheel arches starting to corrode.

underside of vehicle starting to corrode.

Pass 19 Jan 2016 189,544 miles

Nearside Front Tyre wearing on outside edge.

Offside Front Tyre wearing on inside edge.

Some corrosion to underside of vehicle,and rear wheel arches.

Fail 19 Jan 2016 189,544 miles

Nearside Front Tyre wearing on outside edge.

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Front Tyre wearing on inside edge.

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Some corrosion to underside of vehicle,and rear wheel arches.

Pass 23 Jan 2015 183,688 miles

Coolant leak

Corrosion to underside

f/o/s tyre wearing unevenly

Fail 21 Jan 2015 183,681 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Coolant leak

Corrosion to underside

f/o/s tyre wearing unevenly

Fail 15 Aug 2014 183,662 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Corrosion to underside

Oil leak

Pass 6 Aug 2013 178,453 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Fail 2 Aug 2013 178,453 miles

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 1 Aug 2012 171,672 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

o/s/r tyre perrishing on sidewalls

Fail 19 Jul 2012 171,630 miles

Centre Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

o/s/r tyre perrishing on sidewalls

Pass 10 May 2011 168,338 miles

Centre Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

all brake discs pitted and corroding

corrosion appearing too underside

Fail 7 May 2011 168,338 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe leaking (3.6.A.1)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Centre Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Coolant leak

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

all brake discs pitted and corroding

corrosion appearing too underside

Pass 4 Aug 2009 159,227 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid close to minimum level (3.6.G.1b)

Pass 28 Jul 2008 147,666 miles
Fail 25 Jul 2008 147,666 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 24 Jul 2007 134,175 miles
Pass 25 Jul 2006 117,309 miles

How Reliable is the Mazda Bongo Friendee?

Based on 13,340 MOT tests across 1,062 vehicles.

70.6%
Pass Rate
4,903
Miles/Year
31
Year Lifespan
1,062
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

fog lamp not working 259
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 250
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 227
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 198
Stop lamp not working 162
Full Mazda Bongo Friendee reliability report

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N497 MPV is a 1996 Mazda Bongo Friendee in White with a 2,490cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.1%.

Across all 1996 Mazda Bongo Friendee models, the average MOT pass rate is 65.2% with a typical mileage of 141,324 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Mazda Bongo Friendee fails its MOT is fog lamp not working, accounting for 259 recorded failures. If you're considering buying N497 MPV, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mazda Bongo Friendee typically stays on UK roads for around 31 years. At 30 years old, this Mazda Bongo Friendee is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of N497 MPV?

You can check the full history of N497 MPV by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N497 MPV registered?

N497 MPV is a 1996 Mazda Bongo Friendee, first registered on 31 December 1996.

Is N497 MPV safe to buy?

The MOT history for N497 MPV shows 29 tests with a 62.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N497 MPV have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on N497 MPV. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.