Possibly buying a Bongo, any things to check?

[jaycey001]

Hi All

Well, I have been looking for a van for a while to transport the kids and bikes around ( we have our main Motor-home which we drive to Spain in 3-4 times a year, but its 1989 transit and a tad slow when we only have 4 weeks of holidays) So I also thought the bongo, although small, could be used for a quick trip via Santander down to Granada at Easter etc.

I have found one local to me, its 1998 and very clean inside with 80k on the clock (Mot history since import matches millage ok) and the body work has been welded by the current owner - not the tidiest job but very solid and no filler has been used.

Anyway, I am going for a second viewing tomorrow and was just wondering if anyone on here has any experience of them or things worth checking?

Many Thanks
James

 

[witzend]

Look for oil in cooling water header tank

 

[harrow]

Rust and getting the right spare parts are the things to be concerned about, maybe put it through an mot, getting an mot pass is getting harder all the time.

 

[Wully]

The laird seems to be the man in the know on Bongos

 

[The laird]

Check the expansion tank (cooling system) if it’s tea stained colour walk away on diesel version 2*5 tdi ,head trouble or starting .
Check and see if it has a Hayden Williams coolant alert on it ,it will be a dial on the dash with alert lights .
Back wheel arches are bad for corrosion ,many have merc repair sections welded in
If it’s a petrol / lpg make sure it runs on on both systems as ht leads a cap ,rotar arm and plugs are costly also.remove oil cap and check for emulsified oil.
If it is a aft ( electric lifting roof put it up and check all the tenting for damage rips or tears ,also mildew /mould.
Auto box = make sure you take it a good run ,check gear changing when cold ,once warmed right up stop ,switch off sit a few moments the drive off checking all gear operations inc reverse for shuddering etc.
Internal check under the heater units middle of dash ,the floor is not wet
In the rear at the drivers side around the floor where your feet rest check the floor here for wet as the rear heater can leak here,
Check the suspension links from the roll bars for wear or snapped .
Check also for eng smoke when starting if excessive don’t buy
I HOPE I HAVE NOT FRIGHTENED YOU BUT THESE ARE KNOWN FAULTS ON BONGOS ,I WAS A BONG MEMBER FOR YEARS .
THERE IS A FORUM IF YOU WANT TO READ UP ON THEM ( BONGO FURY) google it and there’s many will help you as a guest there too
Good luck

 

[yorkieowl]

Check it's not a Japanese import, have heard they don't underseal them to cope with the salt on British roads in the winter.

 

[Dowel]

I thought they were all grey imports? I am no expert, just took an interest in them when first looking at camper vans so could be wrong.

A very attractive package but would a Bongo have enough room for family and bikes etc?

I concluded that a little larger van with possibly cheaper parts and fuel costs better suited us.

 

[Deleted user 48797]

Hope you don't have to drain the cooling system it's a real 'mare to get all the air out.

 

[yorkieowl]

I thought they were all grey imports?

I've no idea, it was just what my daughter had been warned to look out for, she also had a recurring problem with the injectors, which had to keep being replaced. Expensive on parts too.

 

[Channa]

All are grey imports Mazda never imported into the UK. Most are Japanese, with a few middle East ,,,differences in spec I have no idea. I ran a Mazda dealership and they were always a problem sourcing parts our systems didn't cover specs outside models imported direct to the UK

Channa

 

[GWAYGWAY]

With a name like that, do not forget to fit a set of dampers all round.

 

[GeoffL]

The chap who used to service our Pajero was a Bongo specialist. He always had one or two in with a blown cylinder head gasket -- he told us that the cooling system is easily blocked unless the correct antifreeze is used. If you get a good one, they're rock solid provided you're meticulous with maintenance. Spares are readily available, albeit from specialists -- the Bongo Fury forum can help with details. However, you'll get no joy from main dealers as Mazda don't (or at least, didn't) support grey imports. If you're not set on a Bongo, I'd suggest looking also at a Mitsubishi Delica as Mitsubishi fully support all models no matter whether they're UK spec; and if you're lucky you might find a JB500 bodied variant -- i.e. a proper camper from the outset.