Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Anything non-technical about the Mazda Bongo Friendee van

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teenmal
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by teenmal » Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:36 am

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mikeonb4c
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by mikeonb4c » Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:53 am

Wow - that's an interesting find. I wonder what could be achieved with a trailer carrying spare batteries, solar panels on the roof, and hopping between sites with hookup.
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by Bob » Fri Apr 07, 2017 12:39 pm

That does look quite th motor for the money.

Big thing, of course, is the condition of the batteries.
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by Bob » Fri Apr 07, 2017 12:43 pm

Of course the answer to electric cars/range/self guiding was available when we were kids.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oQpRglD97Vs

Just needs scaling up. 8)
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by mikeonb4c » Fri Apr 07, 2017 3:03 pm

Bob wrote:Big thing, of course, is the condition of the batteries.
How very true and i must do some googling on that as I've long wondered about their longevity, replacement cost etc.
teenmal
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by teenmal » Fri Apr 07, 2017 6:23 pm

Bob wrote:That does look quite th motor for the money.

Big thing, of course, is the condition of the batteries.

They use Z WEB Technology


http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk ... ochure.pdf
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BongoBongo123
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by BongoBongo123 » Fri Apr 07, 2017 6:45 pm

I think Bongo's are vehicles for people who have a reasonable amount of time to spend looking after them, being a bit of a enthusiast helps. They are incredibly good value for what you get, especially the AFT/professionally converted camper versions. However they need someone to regularly maintain them and sort out various small problems that will inevitably occur from time to time with a 20 y.o. vehicle.

As long as you have a bit of time and some spare money ready to maintain and repair, they are great.

You need to look long and hard to see what the condition is. As far as mileage (or as is common kms) I am wary myself because it is not just the engine that does the miles, the suspension, gearbox, all moving parts, bearings, braking system, steering and axel. Longevity of those mechanics will depend on type of miles driven, previous owners driving style and regularity of maintenance.

All the best finding a good one, don't rush into it.
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by Tarrman » Sat Apr 08, 2017 3:35 am

Well took the hour trip to the dealer to look at the Bongo and have to say was very dissapointed. More due to the fact of the condition of the van. Looked like it had been smoked in by a 1000 Dot Cottons, exposed screws where it looks like the previous owner had tried to fix trim, rips to the head lining, arches full of filler, steering wheel looked like it had been chewed by a dog, I could go on. Really not what it looked like in the advert :x

The van in general was actually a lot smaller than I'd realised, nice and long and good headroom but just not wide enough, the rear benches seemed quite small too. I've no doubt that they'd make a fantastic car for a couple camping but for a family of 8 it's just not possible. I did like the way it drive and was fairly comfy, nice smooth auto box but just not the car for us.

Back to looking at 9 seater minibuses :D
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by mikeonb4c » Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:21 am

Think you've made the right decision for you and good luck with the search.
Tarrman
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by Tarrman » Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:42 am

Got my eye on a nice transit tourneo. Little bit of a shame as there seems to be a good little following of the Bongo and this website has been a little hive of information. Keep up the good work everyone and thanks for the replies :D
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by Bob » Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:52 am

Don't forget you'll still be welcome here any time, and whatever you drive you can still join the Club and come to any Meets you want to. :D

I've known peeps ask about all sorts of vehicles on here and generaly somone will know the answer, sometimes better info than a forum for that particular vehicle. 8)
Tarrman
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Re: Newbie considering a Bongo - Need further advice!

Post by Tarrman » Sat Apr 08, 2017 1:21 pm

Thanks! Got a tab open on my browser so I'll chip in where I can 8)
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