DRoader
Guest
No rush but it would be good to hear some advice from bongo/friendee owners. Let's say we are looking at a model from 1996 onwards with realistic mileage around 70-90k. So what are the positives and negatives folks?
landyrubbertramp
Guest
I looked into these before I got my landrover . The three key points that said no were . Lot of gadgets to go wrong . 2.5 thirtsty auto engine and third you can spend the same no ey n get a t25 hightop vw . N it don't depreciate like the bongo . Also esp if ur wild camping the boho r an elevating roof not fixed so ppl will know your in it which can have its draw backs . Just my option tho
Boots
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Hi DL,
I can give a fair bit of advice as I had one for a couple of years, however I'm using iPad at the mo and have lost two long replies so far! it me!!
Will get back to you Monday when I can use laptop if you still need info.
I would say don't as if it's cheap it's faulty and they are a very specialist vehicle in some areas.
Cheers
Boots
I can give a fair bit of advice as I had one for a couple of years, however I'm using iPad at the mo and have lost two long replies so far! it me!!
Will get back to you Monday when I can use laptop if you still need info.
I would say don't as if it's cheap it's faulty and they are a very specialist vehicle in some areas.
Cheers
Boots
DRoader
Guest
All good points, thank you I appreciate your opinion. Being honest I'm still a little bit lost after spending 12 months fulltiming around europe in an a class motorhome. OK you know what I would like right now. I would like a couple of days away in a campervan in some proper winter weather. I hear what you say about the VW T25 or other VW model but can you convince me they are worth 10 to 20 thousand pounds more than a bongo that can be fitted out with whatever you want.
DRoader
Guest
james1508
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Hello,
We had a 2l petrol/LPG and had it for 2 1/2 years covering about 20,000 miles. It was a 2000 X reg, purchased with a side conversion in 2007 for 13 k from Manchester campers. We sold about 3 years ago to get something bigger even though there are only two of us.
They come in 2l and 2.5 petrol and 2.5 diesel. I had no issues with mine although a mate of mine who had the 2.5 diesel suffered the head cracking as seems a common problem if it did over heat (controversial but the fact.) Personally i would of gone for the 2.5 petrol and if your budget allows , you can convert to LPG. My 2l using LPG did about 19 to the gallon but the diesel does about 25 - 28 but others claim they can get 35 ?? The 2l some claim to be under powered but i had no real issues except on steep hills but even then it was reasonable. I believe the 2.5 petrol is slightly better . cant give you an exact on Petrol as always used LPG .
They are cool looking, especially the later models and a work college purchased my old one a year after i traded it in and he is still using it. He has only had to changed the tyres and Exhaust. Not bad really. I would recommend just watch out for the 2.5 diesels head cracking. The temperature gages are rubbish.
James
We had a 2l petrol/LPG and had it for 2 1/2 years covering about 20,000 miles. It was a 2000 X reg, purchased with a side conversion in 2007 for 13 k from Manchester campers. We sold about 3 years ago to get something bigger even though there are only two of us.
They come in 2l and 2.5 petrol and 2.5 diesel. I had no issues with mine although a mate of mine who had the 2.5 diesel suffered the head cracking as seems a common problem if it did over heat (controversial but the fact.) Personally i would of gone for the 2.5 petrol and if your budget allows , you can convert to LPG. My 2l using LPG did about 19 to the gallon but the diesel does about 25 - 28 but others claim they can get 35 ?? The 2l some claim to be under powered but i had no real issues except on steep hills but even then it was reasonable. I believe the 2.5 petrol is slightly better . cant give you an exact on Petrol as always used LPG .
They are cool looking, especially the later models and a work college purchased my old one a year after i traded it in and he is still using it. He has only had to changed the tyres and Exhaust. Not bad really. I would recommend just watch out for the 2.5 diesels head cracking. The temperature gages are rubbish.
James
Boots
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Morning DL,
Laptop it is.
Source of good info, search for 'Bongo Fury'.
Good Points.
Can be the same spec as a VW at a much cheaper price.
2.5d is good and can run on cooking oil, new or used, just get the mix correct in cold weather.
2.5d 28mpg(ish) on a run and can be cheaper running costs if using cooking oil.
Electric blinds on side windows, rear air con, seats move, go flat and can make a good large load area.
Auto drive is nice, some have full time 4x4 and are very good in slippy conditions mpg is still 28ish on a run.
Bad Points.
Rear wheel arches rust and are not an easy or cheap fix, Transit one's can be adapted to fit.
Cooling system is prone to air locks and is difficult to bleed correctly if the head goes its over £1k to sort it out.
Cooling system needs an alarm fitting to sound if a problem is starting diy £100ish, also a cheap modification can be made to the temp display on the dash so it showes temp variations. As standard when it indicates hot the cylinder head has allready gone, diy £20ish.
Garages that know the vehicle are few and far between and spares new/used are expensive unless a lot of searching is done.
Not easy to work on, main access is via tipping front seats and un clipping bits. Has a bonnet that just gives access to batteries windscreen washers etc.
Often come without the jacking handles etc so getting to the spare wheel is very hard, its common to get rid of the space saver and replace with a full size wheel, due to the vehicle weight I got an inflatable car jack whatsit as to be really safe a 3ton trolly jack is needed and they are not cheap and where's it to go.
Tintops with the kitchen units etc in are quite common but sitting to do everything inside (when its wet sunshine time) is a real pain. Guess how I know.
To sum up.
Nice to drive with all the mod-cons etc as standard, if its the rising roof type with some kitchen bits in etc they are thousands of pounds cheaper than a similar VW and in many ways better. A dealer on the outskirts of Wigan will supply a fully modded 2001ish 2.5d with a warranty etc for less than £10k similar model from 'darn saaf' £15k similar VW £25-40k.
However if its a cheapy it probably has faults and if its on the cooling side and the head goes? an ordinary garage will make a mess of getting the air out and more problems will follow.
If you get a good one cheap or otherwise they are a good buy, nice to drive, easy to see around, power steering is great, heating and inside space really nice, side door good, rear tail gate good for keeping dry in the rain.
Need any more info give me a shout.
Cheers
Boots
Excuse any typo's
Laptop it is.
Source of good info, search for 'Bongo Fury'.
Good Points.
Can be the same spec as a VW at a much cheaper price.
2.5d is good and can run on cooking oil, new or used, just get the mix correct in cold weather.
2.5d 28mpg(ish) on a run and can be cheaper running costs if using cooking oil.
Electric blinds on side windows, rear air con, seats move, go flat and can make a good large load area.
Auto drive is nice, some have full time 4x4 and are very good in slippy conditions mpg is still 28ish on a run.
Bad Points.
Rear wheel arches rust and are not an easy or cheap fix, Transit one's can be adapted to fit.
Cooling system is prone to air locks and is difficult to bleed correctly if the head goes its over £1k to sort it out.
Cooling system needs an alarm fitting to sound if a problem is starting diy £100ish, also a cheap modification can be made to the temp display on the dash so it showes temp variations. As standard when it indicates hot the cylinder head has allready gone, diy £20ish.
Garages that know the vehicle are few and far between and spares new/used are expensive unless a lot of searching is done.
Not easy to work on, main access is via tipping front seats and un clipping bits. Has a bonnet that just gives access to batteries windscreen washers etc.
Often come without the jacking handles etc so getting to the spare wheel is very hard, its common to get rid of the space saver and replace with a full size wheel, due to the vehicle weight I got an inflatable car jack whatsit as to be really safe a 3ton trolly jack is needed and they are not cheap and where's it to go.
Tintops with the kitchen units etc in are quite common but sitting to do everything inside (when its wet sunshine time) is a real pain. Guess how I know.
To sum up.
Nice to drive with all the mod-cons etc as standard, if its the rising roof type with some kitchen bits in etc they are thousands of pounds cheaper than a similar VW and in many ways better. A dealer on the outskirts of Wigan will supply a fully modded 2001ish 2.5d with a warranty etc for less than £10k similar model from 'darn saaf' £15k similar VW £25-40k.
However if its a cheapy it probably has faults and if its on the cooling side and the head goes? an ordinary garage will make a mess of getting the air out and more problems will follow.
If you get a good one cheap or otherwise they are a good buy, nice to drive, easy to see around, power steering is great, heating and inside space really nice, side door good, rear tail gate good for keeping dry in the rain.
Need any more info give me a shout.
Cheers
Boots
Excuse any typo's
MEP
Guest
We had our Bongo facelift model 1999, 2.5 TD for about 4 years I loved it powerful engine good for wildcamping pitches getting out of slippery feilds etc, Easy to park. We had the side kitchen. Very nice and comfortable to drive, never had any of the problems above. We sold ours due to needing a bigger vehicle so we could have the fixed bed and separate loo, otherwise a great vehicle.
There is a Bongo Owners club search "Bongo Fury" not only will you find many for sale but also you find all there is to know about them.
My main issue was not good fuel consumption about 25 mpg but like many things you have to balance size and adaptability and price etc.
There is a Bongo Owners club search "Bongo Fury" not only will you find many for sale but also you find all there is to know about them.
My main issue was not good fuel consumption about 25 mpg but like many things you have to balance size and adaptability and price etc.
francophile1947
Guest
All you need to know can be found here Bongo Fury • Index page
DRoader
Guest
Thanks John.