Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Motorhomes and Campervans
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Thinking about buting a Mazda Bongo Post Reply Post New Topic
13/7/2010 at 5:08pm
 Location: Esher
 Outfit: NONE
View mpelle2's Profile View Profile   Reply to mpelle2 Reply   Quote mpelle2 Quote  
Joined: 13/7/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi,

Have just joined the site because I am thinking of buying a Mazda Bongo. Never bought a camper van before but have camped round Europe and the UK- becoming sick of tents!

Have found one and I was just interested in anyones thoughts and advice as you all seem like the friendly and helpful types. The one I have found is as follows- N reg 1995, 93000miles, 2,5 litre disel, 6 months ago has had new head, new head gasket and cambelt, MOT for 6 months, Electric roof. Can get more info.

What do you think? Thanks.

 



-------------
Cheers,
Matt


13/7/2010 at 5:28pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Toyota Granvia (Wellhouse)
View pepe63's Profile View Profile   Reply to pepe63 Reply   Quote pepe63 Quote  
Joined: 30/9/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3872

Site Reviews Total: 19
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

It may be worth asking on here:

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/index.php



Campervan and Motorhome Insurance - Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members
Caravan Guard Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members on Campervan and Motorhome Insurance. Get 5 star rated cover and big savings - for a quote simply click Online Quotation

13/7/2010 at 5:45pm
 Location: Esher
 Outfit: NONE
View mpelle2's Profile View Profile   Reply to mpelle2 Reply   Quote mpelle2 Quote  
Joined: 13/7/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Cheers, will have a look.

-------------
Cheers,
Matt


13/7/2010 at 6:41pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3702

Site Reviews Total: 42
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0

yip, bongo fury is the site for you for all bongo related questions.  Re the bongo - we have one.  The best money we ever spent and in the 2 years have been all over with it - went to the South of France last year as well as the length and breadth of Britain.  Back to France in a few weeks time.  The only advice I would give is take your time and be sure you know what you want from a campervan.  They are not very big (a plus to some re parking, mobility etc) (a minus to others who need to stretch out).  Ours is converted and we compliment it with a quechua pop-up tent for use as an awning if we are away for longer than a couple of days.  It has a small sink, 2 ring hob and fridge but I think of it as a car with a bed and not a motorhome (as some do) - it is a mindset.


13/7/2010 at 7:04pm
 Location: Esher
 Outfit: NONE
View mpelle2's Profile View Profile   Reply to mpelle2 Reply   Quote mpelle2 Quote  
Joined: 13/7/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for the info.

Did you buy it converted or did you get it done yourself?



-------------
Cheers,
Matt


Advertisement



13/7/2010 at 7:11pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3702

Site Reviews Total: 42
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0

We bought it with a smashing side conversion but to be honest now I know better i would probably get a different layout - hence the advice to know what you really want from the 'van.  It doesn't detract from my love of the bongo tho, its a great van with any layout I would just know what to look out for next time or better still arrange my own conversion!


13/7/2010 at 7:28pm
 Location: Northeast England
 Outfit: Autosleeper Symphony Motorhome
View Minniesmum's Profile View Profile   Reply to Minniesmum Reply   Quote Minniesmum Quote  
Joined: 07/7/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   202

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

A Bongo would have been my first choice of van for a conversion- bigger than the Doblo. However my Rover car engine blew up 3 months ago and I had to find a van fast as needed it to get to work . No Bongo's available locally and way above my budget anyway, so got the Doblo.

Still like the Bongo.....



13/7/2010 at 8:28pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Mazda Bongo & a few Quechuas
View Sprocket's Profile View Profile   Reply to Sprocket Reply   Quote Sprocket Quote  
Joined: 16/7/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   548
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Got ours last week. The advice I gleaned from Bongo Fury forum was invaluable. Look at lots..even if it means travelling (I drove to Gloucester and back twice in the space of 3 days (8hr round trip) to look at the one we eventually bought), but had spent a few weekends driving round the north west to see as many as we could.

Ours is a 1996, N reg and isn't converted and no immediate plans to

Like feeblecat we use a Quechua Base as an awning to spread out into, 'butts' up quite nicely to the side of the van.

Its still early days for us, but so far so good and when driving along I look like this ----->


13/7/2010 at 8:45pm
 Location: Esher
 Outfit: NONE
View mpelle2's Profile View Profile   Reply to mpelle2 Reply   Quote mpelle2 Quote  
Joined: 13/7/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

What was the price and mileage like? If you dont mind me asking?

Thanks



-------------
Cheers,
Matt


13/7/2010 at 9:24pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3702

Site Reviews Total: 42
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0

We paid about 13k for ours 2 years ago (1998) - included was the back box (which we don't use now) and a drive away awning (which we dont' use either), aerial, portapotti, gas bottle etc and private number plate (I chose it as we were first to register in UK).  Can't remember the mileage when we bought it (70 odd k rings a bell) but now has 84k miles (135,000 km).  It was also fully converted.  Probably could have got similar a bit cheaper but i don't cry over spilt milk and happy with the van we have got.  Passed 2 mot's first time and never needed any money spending on it (touch wood!). 


Advertisement



13/7/2010 at 9:53pm
 Location: Paisley
 Outfit: Chausson Flash 22
View jimsmimm's Profile View Profile   Reply to jimsmimm Reply   Quote jimsmimm Quote  
Joined: 20/12/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   544

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I'd ask why the head went...if they never fixed the original problem it may come back... .the head is very fragile on the bongo so any over heating issues tend to crack it.....?


14/7/2010 at 6:30pm
 Location:  Rothbury Northumberland
 Outfit: 1990 Pilote Talbot Express
View Kaiwh's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kaiwh Reply   Quote Kaiwh Quote  
Joined: 11/7/2006

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   154

Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 1

We had a Bongo for 5 years without any major problems.

Bought from an importer at Hexham Northumberland, the Bongo Fury site is the place to go and get advice, best of luck. 



-------------
Shane


26/7/2010 at 5:01pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View mobilecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to mobilecat Reply   Quote mobilecat Quote  
Joined: 29/7/2007

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   168

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Buying my Freda (bongo) is the best thing I did and the support of the bongofury forums have been invaluable. Its for sale now - on the classifieds on here so feel free to look. She has to sell in the next week or so! I still love her - I just can't take her where I am going. She has a great conversion too :)


02/8/2010 at 1:20am
 Location: Warwickshire
 Outfit: Bailey Senator Indiana
View flip53's Profile View Profile   Reply to flip53 Reply   Quote flip53 Quote  
Joined: 20/6/2010

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   188
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

]Have just joined the site because I am thinking of buying a Mazda Bongo. Never bought a camper van before but have camped round Europe and the UK- becoming sick of tents!

Have found one and I was just interested in anyones thoughts and advice as you all seem like the friendly and helpful types. The one I have found is as follows- N reg 1995, 93000miles, 2,5 litre disel, 6 months ago has had new head, new head gasket and cambelt, MOT for 6 months, Electric roof. Can get more info.

What do you think? Thanks.

 





02/8/2010 at 1:40am
 Location: Warwickshire
 Outfit: Bailey Senator Indiana
View flip53's Profile View Profile   Reply to flip53 Reply   Quote flip53 Quote  
Joined: 20/6/2010

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   188
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi
We originally looked for a Bongo/Freda. Plenty of dealers about but make sure they have been going several years. Apparently when conversions became popular, a number of "dealers" conversion people jumped on the Bongowagon and saw it as a way to make fast ££.
You can buy or order your own van from dealers.
You can then choose your own fitments/layout/colour etc
All nice and new! Might cost a bit more but if you search the websites there are basic layouts which are priced accordingly (middle, end etc)
We looked in the Derbyshire/Leek area.

If you are looking at one that had problems with head gasket, why settle for that when the market has loads to choose from.? Unless you feel reassured that the head is new?

Firstly, cambelts do need changing if not on import then after so many miles. Make sure its done - expensive omission!

Secondly, some conversions are cheaper quality cupboards hinges than others and don't last so long. Unfortunately, we have found that out to our cost Hinges bend and screws split the wood.

They are pretty small inside. How many are sleeping in it?
However, Size makes its easier to travel and park.
Cheap insurance.

We were looking at Bongos at dealers and out of the blue a Toyota Granvia came in taken part ex. We just fell for it!

Toyota bit wider inside and OH liked the absence of centre gubbins so that we could get into the back without going outside and round in the bad weather (Or are we just plain lazy?)

We also wanted back seats to have seat belts when family travelled with us. Some bongos don't have the seat belts.

Think about cupboard space I find it a bit cramped but then I have never camped and if you are upgrading from a tent you have more experience than me at travelling light.

We have fixed top as we didn't need sleeping space above.
When we were looking at Bongos we were told that there are two types of pop up - one fitted at the factory and one converted. We were advised the factory fit was more reliable.

I have gone off onto Toyota's a bit (sorry) but i think some of the points can be considered if buying a Bongo too.

I love it so far despite some of the frustrations but I am tackling them one at a time

One thing to consider is not a lot of room for chilling . We originally had small tent separate but recently bought outwell awning to give more living space and sleeping space for OH due to small bed width (only as big as single bed really and he is 6 feet tall and quite wide - hope he doesn't read this bless him

Hope some of my rambling helps....................

shop around is my advice there are plenty to choose from and we negotiated a bit of extra cupboard added in and extended insurance from 3 to 12 months. Extended MOT 12 months and Tax was a few months.

We made it obvious we were shopping around and did the "Oh! we've been offered   XYZ" Bit of competition does wonders for getting a good deal !

Good luck..................

Post last edited on 02/08/2010 01:51:51


02/8/2010 at 4:23pm
 Location: Norwich
 Outfit: Citroen Relay Campervan
View Francophile1947's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francophile1947 Reply   Quote Francophile1947 Quote  
Joined: 23/1/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1870

Site Reviews Total: 17
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I also have a Bongo and would be concerned about the new head on the one you are looking for. I would find out who did the job and how many miles it has done since. There are loads of cheap Chinese heads around and they have been known to fail again in a short time, especially if a genuine Mazda head gasket was not used.
Best advice is to join the Bongo Fury forum and ask there - you will get lots of help/advice.
Good luck

-------------
Cheers
John



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














7275 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder