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coool!!!!!

glad your happy with it !!!!

I was amazed when i dorve mine to the test centre !!!! cant wait to get back in it !!!

thanks alipatta and nicki.

we have 3 kids and 2 dogs so the information was great. Anybody know if you can have the engine converted to lpg and whether this would reduce car tax ?

Will continue on bongo fury

Alan

Hi Alan, as I said earlier a lot of them are diesel and I believe can't be converted to LPG although there are some rare petrol ones around.

I would not recommend for 2 adults, 3 kids and 2 dogs though!!!!!  It would be good as an MPV for you all and then to pitch a tent or tow a trailer tent/folding caravan/caravan behind it but to fit you all inside it without any of the above would be tantamount to murder within a few minutes I would think.

Ali

Thanks Ali for the advice, especially about towing a trailer.

We have a Khyam tent, which we use on holiday, so we will pitch it next to the bongo. I have been looking on bongo fury and there seems to be some good genuine traders out there.

At the moment we are in the process of moving house (june), but I am definently on the lookout as I think the bongo is such a beatiful Mpv.

Is there much noise as the engine is right beside the driver and passenger and how much is a regular service ?

As we live in Swindon, I have been looking at a dealer in Bristol, who orders your vehicle from Japan. The only drawback is you don't see the bongo until it arrives in England. You only place a small deposit. Do you think this is a good idea as the prices and recommendations are very good ?

All the best

Alan

Have a look at the Nissan Elgrand too, www.elgrand.co.uk.  I saw a post on there today that said the inside is much bigger although the roof doesn't raise on these.  Also their mpg is much much better.  Do not believe anybody that says they get much more than an average of 25 mpg out of a Bongo!!  I presume you are talking about Algys, is that right?  If so they seem to get praise on the bongo forum.

I suggest you join bongofury and post on there before you buy because they will tell you all the pitfalls.  Really do your homework, do not be tempted by cheap ebay buys because these are specialist vehicles and there are some real horror stories about dogs.  Better to buy from a reputable company with a good warranty back up.  Imperial near Poole are very highly recommended I believe.

Ali

Thanks Ali, will keep you updated.

Carry on camping

Alan

Quote: Originally posted by tentpeg1 on 12/5/2007

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Thanks Ali for the advice, especially about towing a trailer.

We have a Khyam tent, which we use on holiday, so we will pitch it next to the bongo. I have been looking on bongo fury and there seems to be some good genuine traders out there.

At the moment we are in the process of moving house (june), but I am definently on the lookout as I think the bongo is such a beatiful Mpv.

Is there much noise as the engine is right beside the driver and passenger and how much is a regular service ?

As we live in Swindon, I have been looking at a dealer in Bristol, who orders your vehicle from Japan. The only drawback is you don't see the bongo until it arrives in England. You only place a small deposit. Do you think this is a good idea as the prices and recommendations are very good ?

All the best

Alan

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This is exactly what I did...got plenty of pictures, There does have to be an element of trust here, how much would you trust your dealer/importer...

I held mine to his word, and that is 'if your not happy with it, I feel confident enough that you will be but just incase, you can have your money back, or we will find you another one' the reason being is because he knows he will sell it on.

You do take a risk, I spent a lot of time on the phone with my dealer he had a lot of time for me.... I paid a lot of money out before it even landed on my drive, But I trusted the dealer completely, there were a lot of pictures coming my way whilst it was still on the boat, I was happy.

I paid the deposit, the dealer confirmed its condition to me when it landed, I paid the rest, then paid the import fees, paid for a trade plater to deliver it...you do take a big risk, and I would not recommend anyone do it if they don’t feel completely confident in doing so...

Mine is now on the road, it is quite economical, but I did drive an omega 2.5 v6 before, I think I’m getting more than 24mpg though!!!

Its a fab drive, yeah it is a bit noisier than a car but its diesel and your sat on the engine, lol just turn the stereo up!!!

I imported this vehicle back in August and its been a long wait, anti -climax...no way, worth the wait and more...

Its now 10 years old, and mint absolutely mint!!!! Drives superb, in fact this morning I hoped I worked a bit further away!!!!

Oh dear, excuse my friend Nichola she is in love and her heart is ruling her head currently.

You do have to do some things or the garage does if you are paying for their services before you can run them over here.  I believe the radios don't work, they are not usually undersealed because the Japanese don't salt their roads etc etc so make sure you are au fait with the quirks.

Ali

Ahhh yes Ali, there are a few things to look out for, but they are very very simple things......

if the bongo is under 10 years old it will require the SVA test, which can be quite costly. our was imported at 9 years old but we waited until it was 10 years old to avoid the SVA. dealers can get these done for you and deliver it road legal, taxed etc... all the work done works out at about £600 thats including tax, speedo faces odometer allignment to Miles rather than Kilometers. a rear fog light.....

the stereo does work. if its a cd its fine and in English as well, the radio will only pick up radio 2, you need a band expander £5 off ebay....

the undersealant mmmmm Ive heard mixed feeling on this, it can do more harm than good !! it can also hold moisture in and make it rust quicker than not haveing it done at all, how long you planning on keeping one for???

I got mine and registered it withouth the SVA, my dad did the fog light and changed the speedo face, it doesnt need anythign else if it doesnt need an SVA.

register it, then get your number plates made up, your on the road!!!

I have to say that before I had a Bongo I had a Toyota - Hmmm well it was a good car, but seemed to lack Fun!!

When I bought my Bongo, I fell in love with it and I just adore taking it out for ANY reason - I have a day table and we use it just to go to the beach or anywhere and have a picnic.

But it is a seriously easy car to drive and look after - I bought mine from Imperial Cars in Poole (Martyn and Bob) who only sell Bongos, so they are very knowledgeable. They are just wonderful vehicles to have and always catch other people's eye.

We took ours for a 3 week jaunt around France including the Central Massif and Pyrenees and it has the DOGS parts so to speak, when going up and down the Mountains.

and theres the model report, you hire this for £100 so the SVA can be carried out, it does get very expensive, this is one of the reasons we decided to wait....and a holiday to Thailand !!!

Nick, Im glad youor enjoying your bongo!!! they are so ace !!!

Have you been on a meet? I organise the odd one in Poole, well the last one was last year. But a Bongo is a must have

We are very interested in a Bongo but feel slightly worried about problems with overheating and the cooling system. Does anyone have any experience with this? I have looked on the bongofury website and it all gets a bit technical, but overheating with disasterous results is a common theme. I just love the shape and versitility of them though but have had vehicle nightmares in the past which I definately don't want to repeat.

Kate