CarVerify

Free Car Check

P309 VFA

1997 Mazda Bongo

White Diesel 2490cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires25 Aug 2027
Tests32 (21 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate65.6%

Mileage

113,418 mi
Last recorded113,418 miles
Recorded on26 Aug 2026
Typical for 1997 Mazda Bongo131,832 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mazda
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationP309 VFA
MakeMazda
ModelBongo
Year1997
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

21 pass 11 fail
Pass 26 Aug 2026 113,418 miles
Fail 12 Aug 2026 113,414 miles

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

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.2.1 (b))

Fail 10 Dec 2025 113,402 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Pass 9 Dec 2024 112,308 miles

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 3 Dec 2024 112,308 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner wheel arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 4 Dec 2023 111,510 miles

Coolant leak underside

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 215/65/16 slightly cracked (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 25/65/16 slightly cracked. (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine/gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

all suspension components corroded

various areas of corrosion to underside

Fail 29 Nov 2023 111,510 miles

Front Position lamp not working n/s and o/s (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner sill/chassis rail front to rear various areas (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced outer sill front to rear various areas (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced inner sill front to rear various areas (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced outer sill front to rear various areas (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Towbar component excessively corroded towbar mounting (6.1.6 (a))

Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Coolant leak underside

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 215/65/16 slightly cracked (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing 25/65/16 slightly cracked. (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine/gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Position lamp not working n/s and o/s (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

all suspension components corroded

various areas of corrosion to underside

Pass 9 Dec 2022 110,122 miles
Fail 14 Nov 2022 110,080 miles

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecurely attached (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting radiator mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting front of wheel arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting front subframe mouting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting rear subframe mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Fuel pipe leaking excessively or a risk of fire fuel filler pipe corroded through (6.1.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

All rear suspension components corroded

Coolant leak

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

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security front of wheel arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security wheel arch (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Both front tyres cracking (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 17 Nov 2021 108,826 miles

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

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

underbody rusty

Fail 17 Nov 2021 108,826 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

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

Offside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

underbody rusty

Pass 10 Nov 2020 106,487 miles
Fail 5 Nov 2020 106,473 miles

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

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

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

Pass 15 Nov 2019 105,235 miles

Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened top mounts (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

front crossmember/radiator mounting corroded

inner/outer sills and underbody plated/undersealed over

Fail 29 Oct 2019 105,208 miles

Front Headlamps matched pair are not the same colour (4.1.4 (d))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecurely attached (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner/outer sills (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

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

Rear Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal inner body panels (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 6 Nov 2018 104,212 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp reflector slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 27 Nov 2017 101,635 miles
Fail 3 Nov 2017 101,635 miles

Headlamp switch faulty (1.7.1)

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

Nearside Front Lower Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Headlamp aim not tested (1.8.A.1c)

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Offside Front Lower Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Headlamp aim not tested (1.8.A.1c)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Pass 31 Oct 2016 99,661 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front sill to floor heavily corroded

Pass 4 Nov 2015 96,569 miles
Fail 2 Nov 2015 96,569 miles

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded sill to floor (2.4.A.3)

Pass 10 Jun 2015 95,561 miles

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Offside Rear rear parking (secondary) brake imbalance requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.6b)

Pass 13 Jun 2014 91,615 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 7 Jun 2013 87,248 miles
Pass 24 May 2012 81,835 miles
Pass 15 Jun 2011 76,142 miles
Fail 13 Jun 2011 76,139 miles

Nearside Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Offside Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 14 Jun 2010 70,104 miles
Pass 27 May 2009 62,898 miles

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Centre Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

both front tyres wearing on outer edges

Pass 17 Jun 2008 57,168 miles
Pass 4 Jun 2007 48,981 miles
Pass 12 Jun 2006 40,472 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

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

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.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

P309 VFA is a 1997 Mazda Bongo in White with a 2,490cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 65.6%.

Across all 1997 Mazda Bongo models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.3% with a typical mileage of 131,832 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 P309 VFA, 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 29 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 P309 VFA?

You can check the full history of P309 VFA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P309 VFA registered?

P309 VFA is a 1997 Mazda Bongo, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is P309 VFA safe to buy?

The MOT history for P309 VFA shows 32 tests with a 65.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P309 VFA 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 P309 VFA. 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.