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N854 VLJ

1996 Mazda Bongo

Green Diesel 2490cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires27 Oct 2026
Tests28 (15 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate53.6%

Mileage

223,012 mi
Last recorded223,012 miles
Recorded on28 Oct 2025
Typical for 1996 Mazda Bongo133,482 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationN854 VLJ
MakeMazda
ModelBongo
Year1996
ColourGreen
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

15 pass 13 fail
Pass 28 Oct 2025 223,012 miles
Fail 15 Oct 2025 223,000 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Pass 16 Oct 2024 212,588 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Fail 4 Oct 2024 212,587 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Rear fog lamp does not emit a steady red light (4.5.4 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 9 Oct 2023 203,596 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 29 Sep 2023 203,596 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement d-bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 5 Oct 2022 193,856 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 26 Sep 2022 193,825 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear fog lamp light intensity significantly reduced (4.5.4 (a))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 28 Sep 2021 185,675 miles
Fail 24 Sep 2021 185,672 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength undersill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 25 Sep 2020 177,314 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 24 Sep 2020 177,312 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 1 Oct 2019 172,371 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Fail 24 Sep 2019 172,371 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 24 Sep 2018 165,649 miles

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

Fail 20 Sep 2018 165,649 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

Fluid leaking continuously posing a serious risk to road safety engine coolant (8.4.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 27 Sep 2017 155,980 miles

sight play in rear D bushes

slight misting of oil round o/s steering rack

slight misting on n/s head lamp

Fail 27 Sep 2017 155,980 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

front disc corrodid

sight play in rear D bushes

slight misting of oil round o/s steering rack

slight misting on n/s head lamp

Pass 24 Aug 2016 146,974 miles
Fail 24 Aug 2016 146,974 miles

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone 'A' (8.3.1b)

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' (8.3.1e)

Pass 22 Sep 2015 137,044 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Fail 17 Sep 2015 137,044 miles

Nearside Outer Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Pass 19 Sep 2014 128,650 miles

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

bonnet stay missing

wipers smeary

Pass 8 Oct 2013 121,038 miles
Fail 7 Oct 2013 121,038 miles

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

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

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

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

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

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Pass 5 Oct 2012 105,228 miles
Fail 26 Sep 2012 105,228 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

Pass 2 Nov 2011 105,222 miles

How Reliable is the Mazda Bongo?

Based on 251,584 MOT tests across 14,362 vehicles.

67.3%
Pass Rate
5,064
Miles/Year
31
Year Lifespan
14,362
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

fog lamp not working 6,854
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 6,786
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 6,443
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 5,607
Registration plate lamp not working 3,890
Full Mazda Bongo reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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N854 VLJ is a 1996 Mazda Bongo in Green with a 2,490cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.6%.

Across all 1996 Mazda Bongo models, the average MOT pass rate is 65.9% with a typical mileage of 133,482 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 fails its MOT is fog lamp not working, accounting for 6,854 recorded failures. If you're considering buying N854 VLJ, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of N854 VLJ?

You can check the full history of N854 VLJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N854 VLJ registered?

N854 VLJ is a 1996 Mazda Bongo, first registered on 31 December 1996.

Is N854 VLJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for N854 VLJ shows 28 tests with a 53.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N854 VLJ 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 N854 VLJ. 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.