Advice re. buying a Bongo

[Mrs Badcrumble]

Hi,
I’m considering buying a Bongo campervan and have looked at a couple recently. Neither were quite right for us in terms of configuration of seats/living space etc but have seen another one online that looks suitable. However, it’s a 1997 reg and I just wonder how long I can reasonably expect it to last for... I know that’s a bit of a “how long is a piece of string” question but what are people’s experiences of Bongos of this age? Are they difficult/costly to maintain and repair?
My other concern is the price. The other two that I saw were significantly cheaper, and were actually younger and with lower mileage (but, admittedly, the conversion jobs were not nearly as good).
Any advice welcome! (And apologies if I’ve posted in the wrong place... new to the forum here)
Mrs B

[g8dhe]

Mine is similar era, if it hasn't had the rear wheel arches and cills done then that would be surprising if its been in this country for a good number of years, so might be worth extra attention to see if it has been worked on and repair quality is good. Front and Rear cross members are also likely places for rust to appear "from no where" at MoT time As to engine there isn't normally a problem if its been well maintained, check state of all the rubber hoses and metal pipes for corrosion as well, its unlikely that it will not require attention in this area. Another likely place for failure is the radiator it tends to have the metal to plastic seal at the top fail after 20 odd years.

[Mrs Badcrumble]

Thanks - I’m a complete novice at all the mechanical stuff... certainly able to check visually for corrosion etc but other than that I wouldn’t know what I was looking for. I’ll try to have a look at some pictures online to brush up a bit!
Please keep the advice coming... and as idiot-proof as you like
Mrs B

[g8dhe]

One thing perhaps then you might need to bear in mind about corrosion! On a Bongo (and other Jap vehicles) it does it from the inside out
What we mean is that in Japan they don't use salt on the roads, but volcanic ash, this is not corrosive and hence vehicles are not under sealed to prevent water and salt spray attacking the bear metal. Once the vehicles hit the ships coming to the UK, they start to sea salt and water spray for the first time,


and if not cleaned and under sealed on arrival then the problem starts. Nothing shows at all for many years then all of a sudden the paint starts bubbling - too late the metal has rotted away behind the paint and the entire area needs to be replaced Even with under sealing on arrival it needs to be kept topped up as any cracks or damage to the sealing will result in the salt and spray getting in and starting its work.
So the point is don't go by the external surface, you must check behind the wheel arches and up under the front and rear cross members for signs of serious rust. If its bubbling on the outside then its too late!!!!
Mine was under sealed on arrival, we didn't get it regularly re-sprayed and as it happens other problems at the top got in before even the rear arches went (gutter / roof seal was poor) and rust started in the nearside roof section see the pictures on the link below, click the picture for the full set;

[Bob]

Hi.

Good info from Geoff, and it's worth looking at the 'Buying a Bongo' section on the web site.

[Mrs Badcrumble]

Thanks Geoff- really helpful

[mikeonb4c]

Welcome. Where are you based, in case there's a local Bongo specialist who might be able to look over a prospective purchase?

[Supersooty]

When you give it a wash, ensure that you clean the ‘crease’ in the wheel arches, the right angle flange. Keep that clean and waxoyled. Rust attacks from inside out, once it starts all you can do, is cut it out. You can arrest it temporarily by smearing the area in Vaseline.

[Jillygumbo]

Welcome. Where are you based, in case there's a local Bongo specialist who might be able to look over a prospective purchase?

Was just about to say the same thing Ben (or Bill)? Someone local may be able to go see it with you.

[Bob]

Welcome. Where are you based, in case there's a local Bongo specialist who might be able to look over a prospective purchase?

Was just about to say the same thing Ben (or Bill)? Someone local may be able to go see it with you.

Those scamps again.