Mazda Bongo

[zeddykay]

Anyone with experience of these small campers. The good, the bad or ugly.

Daughter seeking a small camper with limited budget! Any alternative suggestions welcomed.

Thanks in advance

[Derek Uzzell]

There’s a lot of information about Bongos here

 

http://igmaynard.co.uk/

 

An alternative might be Toyota’s “Hiace” (My ex-neighbour had one and reckoned it was bomb-proof.)

 

http://www.algysautos.com/campervans.html

 

This 2009 discussion may be of interest

 

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=12&TopicID=178202

 

A current neighbour has a Mercedes Vito-based camper

 

http://www.westcountryconversions.com/camper-conversions/mercedes-benz/

 

but (like VW-based conversions) these are likely to be significantlly more expensive than a Bongo or Hiace.

 

 

 

 

[zeddykay]

Very helpful Derek. Thank you

[Tracker]

We had a Toyota Hiace van conversion some years ago and although it was very rusty it was also mechanically very stong in spite of having been almost to the moon and back!

 

It rattled so much that it gained the nickname 'Mr Jingle'!

 

The greatest limitations are the usability in such a small space, but the small space is also an asset when driving and parking.

 

Just make sure everything works OK and that the night time bed size and ablutions arrangements are acceptable before you buy.

[rupert123]

We had a Bongo a few years ago, the four wheel drive one. It is a good small van and plenty of people do conversions for them. Fuel consumption even on the diesel not great. Avoid Algys autos as per Derek's posting though.

[zeddykay]

Thanks for all your helpful comments. Can't help thinking that auto gearbox and 4 wheel drive could be expensive to repair if there were any problems and all the Bongos we can find have very high mileages.

Any observations on this?

Happy New Year to all members of the forum.

[Fred Duck]

zeddykay - 2016-12-30 4:38 PM

 

Can't help thinking that auto gearbox and 4 wheel drive could be expensive to repair if there were any problems.......

 

Well yes, of course, but first they have to go wrong. They are very robust units if properly serviced and the only one I can recall having any involvement with that had a problem with the auto box was soon put right with a change of ATF.

 

The Bongo was also sold in Japan as the Ford Freda.

 

FD

[Tall_Mike]

We are lucky to live only a couple of miles away from Away321 - Montague Bongo. In the 18 months it took us to decide to buy a Motor-home - and then which - A Mazda Bongo was our first starting point, - I spent a fair time at the dealer and got to know them inside out, Fine vehicles, mostly automatic, variety of designs etc and affordable as an every day vehicle - pretty solid and repairable if they do go wrong. Earlier models can suffer from rust, radiators, water pumps and cam belts can be an issue, mostly fixable from the large quantity of spares that 321 hold - A great entry point into Motor-homing at a very reasonable price.

 

321 can make a design to suit most needs beginning with 3 styles, end, side or front kitchen and building from there, - possible to specify all manner of options which they fit.

 

One limitation was the driving position, I am 6,7" - because the engine sits in the cab there is only limited seat adjustment and one guesses that for the average Japanese driver wouldn't encounter this issue.

 

I believe they stopped making these in 2005? so even the newest Bongo is ageing now although it's all relative. 123 Wax oil and underseal all their vehicles.

 

In the end our budget was substantially more mainly because we received a legacy so we set Mazda Bongo (or similar models) aside.

 

The downside is that for us as a couple the vehicles are too small - limited washing and toilet facilities, and uncomfortable to "live in" on a daily basis, - however for a single, pursuing a hobby, perhaps cycling or fishing, - maybe the festival circuit - or perhaps as a starter, ideal. - Seen a few with a large awning with bedrooms etc fitted, - very comfortable.