Bongo Buying Guide

[b17flyboy2]

Hi All,

The wife and I have decided we will soon become Bongo'd so to speak.

We've been kicking around the idea for some time of a small camper for the two of us, our daughter (9) and a dog, but never really came to terms with the idea of another (larger) vehicle to look after, much less the idea of getting in and out of car parks in a large van, etc. So, we came across the Bongo, which would seem to tick all the boxes, and I have been doing some homework ever since, including finding and registering on this fine forum, and the idea has grown on us even more!

I was wondering if you have put together a new buyer's guide anywhere? The main site mentions the article "Do you want a pre-99 or a later model? See this Forum discussion." but the link just goes to the Forum home page and not the article. Couldn't find it by searching either?

I have read some of the online articles on where to look out for rust and common problems etc but I wondered if there was any objective information on the Pre-99 vs Post-99 debate and what we should be thinking about?

I am a keen DIY'er and home mechanic so am happy to do some mods and/or conversion work so a sound chassis and engine would be my number one priority, rather than the exact configuration, but wonder what else I should be considering?

Any pointers greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Ian]

There's 2 Buying Guides for Bongos. One is on the main Bongo Fury website, which you have already found. It contains a summary of information from here on the Forum and elsewhere. You will find it at https://igmaynard.co.uk/buying/.

(The broken link you refer to should be https://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum ... economical)

Secondly there is some advice from Practical Motorhome which you can see at https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/advi ... yers-guide

[b17flyboy2]

Thank you Ian. Much appreciated. I have looked through these articles and there are some useful pointers and things to consider there, thank you.

Is there an article/discussion anywhere looking at pre-99 versus post-99 models? Apart from the cosmetic exterior (facelift) changes, what are the key differences? Are there any reliability differences or significant mechanical/spec/equipment differences?

[mikeonb4c]

Thank you Ian. Much appreciated. I have looked through these articles and there are some useful pointers and things to consider there, thank you.

Is there an article/discussion anywhere looking at pre-99 versus post-99 models? Apart from the cosmetic exterior (facelift) changes, what are the key differences? Are there any reliability differences or significant mechanical/spec/equipment differences?

I can't immediately think of any significant differences except with the diesel model. As I understand it, earlier diesels had a simpler mechanical fuel pump and later one what people call 'fly by wire' technology (though whether that us an accurate/correct term i can't say). But rumour is that if the later ones play up they can cost a lot more to fix. Also, i THINK later model Bongos may have a variable vane turbo as opposed to a fixed vane one on earlier models. Again, this technology can play up especially where it is being subjected to short cold runs where sooting can cause sticking of the vanes. Please treat all this as provisional info from a non techie - you should wait for confirmation/correction from a Bongo techie. But at least it flags up possibles. Technology changeover date is i think around year 2000 but you'd need to be able to recognise the difference when inspecting to be safe.

Other notable differences are that earlier models (up to about 1997) may have split rear seats rather than a bench seat, and many regard this as a very useful feature where they want unconverted versatility. Not easy/cheap to retrofit these so worth noting. Untinted windows seem v hard to find also on all but early model Bongos. And early models may have simpler manual air conditioning controls, instead of an electronic climate control system. Again, this is one less worry on an ageing Bongo.

Centre console is also different on later model Bongos so that you can no longer fit (as far as i know) the v useful optional cubby box storage/armrest on the top of it.

[Tankak]

There's 2 Buying Guides for Bongos. One is on the main Bongo Fury website, which you have already found. It contains a summary of information from here on the Forum and elsewhere. You will find it at https://igmaynard.co.uk/buying/.

(The broken link you refer to should be https://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum ... economical)

Secondly there is some advice from Practical Motorhome which you can see at https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/advi ... yers-guide

Thank you for sharing this, also new and looking for one bongo

[Doone]

You may not have read the 'Guide to buying a Bongo' that Allan put on his website. Scroll down the page on the link to read it: https://www.allansvehicleservices.co.uk ... ongo-tips/

As far as I know (I could be wrong as I'm not a mechanic) pre '99 Bongos have a more basic diesel pump and turbo, and fewer solenoid/boost valve/sensor etc than post '99 models. For me, those are good points... Tho I do prefer the shape of the later models... Decisions decisions.

[b17flyboy2]

Thank you for the feedback guys. Useful reading on those links. Fore-warned is fore-armed and all that!