CarVerify

Free Car Check

R518 GRL

1997 Mazda Bongo

White Diesel 2490cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires22 Jul 2026
Tests31 (20 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate64.5%

Mileage

281,277 mi
Last recorded281,277 miles
Recorded on23 Jul 2025
Typical for 1997 Mazda Bongo131,832 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationR518 GRL
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

20 pass 11 fail
Pass 23 Jul 2025 281,277 miles
Fail 3 Jun 2025 281,276 miles

Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.1.2 (d))

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

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

Nearside Rear Towbar component excessively corroded (6.1.6 (a))

Offside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Pass 30 Mar 2024 270,436 miles
Fail 30 Jan 2024 268,816 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired INNER SILL (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired INNER SILL (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick OUTER PAD (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Pass 21 Nov 2022 259,321 miles

Extensive welding repairs carried out to vehicle

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

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

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

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

Fail 7 Nov 2022 259,321 miles

Nearside Front Inner Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Inner Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired sill in two places (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Inner Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting insecure and impairing directional stability (5.3.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired inner wheel arch (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected chassis outrigger (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired sill in two places (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

Pass 8 Dec 2021 250,730 miles

Corrosion Holes N/S Sill

Headlamp lens slightly defective Fogging Over (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule Central Ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (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))

Fail 30 Nov 2021 250,729 miles

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

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

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

Corrosion Holes N/S Sill

Headlamp lens slightly defective Fogging Over (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule Central Ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (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))

Pass 26 Nov 2020 242,111 miles

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive End of Sill 32cm From Susp Mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

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

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 disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Fail 20 Nov 2020 241,977 miles

Fuel cap/sealing device ineffective (6.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive End of Sill 32cm From Susp Mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

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

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 disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 26 Nov 2019 235,691 miles

General underbody corrosion

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

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

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

Pass 27 Nov 2018 229,738 miles

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

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

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

Fail 23 Nov 2018 229,734 miles

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

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

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

Both rear wheel arches show signs of corrosion

Both sills show signs of corrosion

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

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

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

Pass 27 Nov 2017 222,962 miles

Both rear wheel arches corroded

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

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

OS and NS sills corroded

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

Oil leak ()

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

Fail 22 Nov 2017 222,957 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Both rear wheel arches corroded

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

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

OS and NS sills corroded

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

Oil leak ()

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

Pass 8 Oct 2016 213,742 miles

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

Nearside wheel arch corroded

Offside Rear wheel arch corroded

Offside sill corroded

Oil leak ()

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

Fail 22 Sep 2016 213,710 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Front position lamp(s) has less than 50% of the light sources illuminating (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush (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 Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Both rear wheel arches show signs of corrosion

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

Offside sill shows signs of corrosion

Oil leak ()

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

Pass 21 Oct 2015 198,022 miles

Front Discs corroded!

Rear Discs corroded!

Pass 9 Feb 2015 195,311 miles

Front discs corroded!

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

Rear discs corroded!

Pass 21 Jan 2014 192,856 miles

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

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

Fail 20 Jan 2014 192,856 miles

Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale missing (1.3.1b)

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

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

Pass 13 Feb 2013 190,118 miles

Front X member corroded

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

Pass 17 Feb 2012 104,868 miles
Pass 4 Feb 2011 173,461 miles

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

Pass 11 Mar 2010 171,203 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)

front brake discs starting to corrode

spare tyre flat

Pass 30 May 2009 159,588 miles

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 13 Jun 2008 144,106 miles

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

Fail 21 May 2008 143,450 miles

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

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

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

front crossmember starting to corrode

Pass 1 May 2007 125,996 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 2 May 2006 104,325 miles
Fail 13 Apr 2006 103,839 miles

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

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

R518 GRL is a 1997 Mazda Bongo in White with a 2,490cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.5%.

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 R518 GRL, 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 R518 GRL?

You can check the full history of R518 GRL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R518 GRL registered?

R518 GRL is a 1997 Mazda Bongo, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is R518 GRL safe to buy?

The MOT history for R518 GRL shows 31 tests with a 64.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R518 GRL 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 R518 GRL. 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.