Mazda Bongos??
 

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[Closed] Mazda Bongos??

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 ianv
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Are these generally reliable? is there anything to look out for?


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 7:43 am
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The silly name?


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 7:48 am
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There are some nicer Bongos than a mazda.
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 7:56 am
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I've had mine for four years and been all over the EU and the UK and it's not missed a beat, just passed it's mot no probs, like anything they need regular servicing,
Loads of nice extras like A/C C/L leccy windows, built in blinds and curtains and stuff which make life easier, a few extras like a leisure battery is handy too
I got mine from a dealer on import rather than doing it myself which makes life easier as well,
2WD is better than 4WD as there's less to go wrong and their a bit better on juice, and split fold rear seats are better than a rear bench seat for getting bikes in
Gutted now as I really need to sell it as my new job is too many miles for the commute so if you want a good one at a fair price, give me a shout
and the pop top is ace!
[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 8:15 am
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Check out the Bongo Fury forum, [url] http://www.bongofury.co.uk/ [/url]

Mine has been good so far, had it since February this year. Only does 25mpg which is not so good.


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 8:18 am
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@khani

What is the maximum number of people it will carry, normally?


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 8:29 am
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A standard Bongo will carry 8 people but only has six 3 point belts, middle rears are lap belts.


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 8:39 am
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We've had ours for 2 years now, had two longish (3 weeks and a month) trips to the continent, plus loads of travel round the UK, with no unusual problems.
Not much to add to what Simon and Khani say- bongofury membership is the best money you'll spend- loads of backup on the forum, plenty of tech sheets covering fixes and modifications. I'd recommend either buying a vehicle off the forum and/or co-opting a local member to have a look at the van with you- they're pretty helpful in that way.
One must do is to fit a coolant alarm to cover the eventuality of sudden loss of coolant- you're engine'll be toast before the normal temp gauge responds if this occurs.

Oh, and our mechanic, who specialises in Bongo's only charges £25 an hour- a refreshing change from the cost of servicing late model cars.


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 8:52 am
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Mine carries eight, only the middle passengers have lap belts (on mine) the two outside passengers have proper belts on the middle and rear seats, registered as a PLG mpv not a camper so it's the same price as a car on ferries
Bongo fury is great, I'm a member and they are a good bunch of peeps


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:05 am
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And here's mine if were doing photos,

[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:11 am
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I got some custom made stainless steel roof bars which bolt into the roof which are dead handy for canoes and stuff too
Simon..... Nice bongo 8)


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:17 am
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Cheers 8) Did you de-sticker your's yourself? I'm thinking of removing the decals from mine, apart from the grey stripe..

Shame you've got to sell yours, I use my Bongo to get to work most days but it's only a 12 mile round trip so diesel costs aren't that horrendous.


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:24 am
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Had it destickerd when I got it and they colour coded the roof,
Don't work in a hospital any more and gone on to visiting support
Gutted to sell but too many miles daily now 30 miles each way and up to 100 miles a day in-between 🙁


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:37 am
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I'd love one of these - are they good as campers?

Anyone got pics of the inside when the beds are ready, so to speak...?


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:48 am
 ianv
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good one at a fair price, give me a shout

tell me more? how much, mileage, where etc annetandianv at btinternet dot com

I have seen one that seems pretty good value (or maybe too good to be true)£5000 67,000 miles, decent condition 12 mths mot.

what do you reckon?


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:56 am
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Due to age it all depends on condition, there's a few clocked ones out there as well
At work at mo, I'll mail you some details in a bit


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 9:59 am
 ianv
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what sort of ballpark insurance premiums are to be expected?


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 10:49 am
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@fadda, some Mazda photos of the interior....

[IMG] [/IMG]

[IMG] [/IMG]

[IMG] [/IMG]

Thats's the standard seats in those pics, although mine has split rear seat which fold out of the way for a more useable load space.

Loads of companies camper conversions, and there's many different ways to do it.


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 10:50 am
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Mine costs about £350 to insure, that's with business use as well though as I'm a support worker


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 11:00 am
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There is some overheating issue - a mate of mine with one had it and it blew a head gasket and warped the head

Just something to check when buying one - I am sure bongofury has all the details


 
Posted : 21/05/2011 12:19 pm

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