Thinking of buying a Bongo. There is a private importer on the Gower near to where I live. However, I have been told that they suffer with head gasket failure and auto box failure on a regular basis.
Please advise if this is the case. I have also been told that they require a specific anti freeze which will cut down on head gasket failure.
Engine and gearbox problems
Moderators: Doone, westonwarrior
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Uncle Mart
Hello
The head/head gasket thing is because the cooling system needs to be bled properly when worked on and there's even a special procedure because it's quite tricky. Ignorance of this by many mechanics and DIYers has meant a disproportionate number of head failures due to air-locks and overheating. The correct procedure can be downloaded from this site (members only section) and any competent/decent mechanic can follow it easily. So to summarise - not really a problem if looked after and maintained correctly as with any vehicle.
As for the gearbox (assuming you mean auto - which 95% plus of Bongos have) - I think most owners would agree that it's pretty robust and problem free on the whole. There's an auto box specialist in Swansea and they are familiar with the Bongo (see 'Bongo friendly garages' fact sheet - again on this site - members only section) and they told me that the Bongo box is pretty reliable.
So get a good one, maintain it properly and don't be put off by the tales of woe on the forum. Remember - people usually only post on forums when they have a problem. A look at ANY vehicle owners club forum will confirm this.
Final note:
Good luck
tigger
PS as with any car, you must use the correct anti-freeze. In this case, something suitable for alloy engines. I now use only Comma Super Longlife Red - 5 year service life and perfect for use in Bongos. Mix to the appropriate strength - I think about 50:50 is good
Would that be the bloke in Murton then? Don't know anything about him, but I've heard of him. (I'm in Bishopston - Pwlldu Lane).private importer on the Gower
The head/head gasket thing is because the cooling system needs to be bled properly when worked on and there's even a special procedure because it's quite tricky. Ignorance of this by many mechanics and DIYers has meant a disproportionate number of head failures due to air-locks and overheating. The correct procedure can be downloaded from this site (members only section) and any competent/decent mechanic can follow it easily. So to summarise - not really a problem if looked after and maintained correctly as with any vehicle.
As for the gearbox (assuming you mean auto - which 95% plus of Bongos have) - I think most owners would agree that it's pretty robust and problem free on the whole. There's an auto box specialist in Swansea and they are familiar with the Bongo (see 'Bongo friendly garages' fact sheet - again on this site - members only section) and they told me that the Bongo box is pretty reliable.
So get a good one, maintain it properly and don't be put off by the tales of woe on the forum. Remember - people usually only post on forums when they have a problem. A look at ANY vehicle owners club forum will confirm this.
Final note:
Unless he imports them for himself - ie registers them in his name and uses them for a while as his own - then there's no such thing. If he's doing it for financial gain then he's a trader - no buts. He might be a great guy, but don't let him worm out of his responsiblities under the law. It has to be roadworthy and fit for purpose - and as he's a trader that means that if the auto box or the head gasket (or indeed anything else not deemed 'reasonable wear' for a vehicle of the age, price and condition) fails shortly after you buy it then you DO have recourse under the law. The Trading Standards department can advise you about this....private importer
Good luck
tigger
PS as with any car, you must use the correct anti-freeze. In this case, something suitable for alloy engines. I now use only Comma Super Longlife Red - 5 year service life and perfect for use in Bongos. Mix to the appropriate strength - I think about 50:50 is good
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Veg_Ian
Head gasket failure - I'd heard that as well before buying but considering the membership of this forum and the number of posts on the subject I would have to disagree with that myth. I'm more used to Toyota imports such as the Townace and Lucida range. Overheating IS there Achilles heal and is down really to bad design and location of the radiator. The Bongo doesn't suffer from that. Like with any vehicle, look after it and it will look after you. Remember that most imported vehicles from Japan have low mileages. Typically a 10 year old vehicle may only have 30-40k miles on the clock. So what's it been doing for all that time? Mainly standing around unused or stuck in traffic jams with a resultant silting up of the cooling system. Therefore the first thing you should do with an import is thoroughly flush the cooling system. Those that don't are usually the ones that get the overheating problems.
Autobox - again I would say that is a myth. You don't get many faults reported on here.
Specific antifreeze? - hah good one. Where did you hear that one? Toyota sell their own branded anti-freeze called 'For Life'. It costs about 5 times that of a decent general ethylene glycol antifreeze. Don't believe the hype. Flush the old coolant out and replace with a 30-50% mix of regular anti-freeze using de-ionised water and you won't go far wrong.
Go and have a look at one and ideally chat with an owner on here local to you if you have any doubts. If you do decide to buy one, take it for a good run to ensure there are no overheating problems and get a warranty, then you're covered.
Autobox - again I would say that is a myth. You don't get many faults reported on here.
Specific antifreeze? - hah good one. Where did you hear that one? Toyota sell their own branded anti-freeze called 'For Life'. It costs about 5 times that of a decent general ethylene glycol antifreeze. Don't believe the hype. Flush the old coolant out and replace with a 30-50% mix of regular anti-freeze using de-ionised water and you won't go far wrong.
Go and have a look at one and ideally chat with an owner on here local to you if you have any doubts. If you do decide to buy one, take it for a good run to ensure there are no overheating problems and get a warranty, then you're covered.
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antique
head gasket
hi if you really want to be bullit proof buy one that has not bean serviced etc have cam belt changed at same time take rad out have it flow tested if the rad is 15pc down have new core fitted i get them done £90 oil change etc then you no it will not let you down as for geabox probs do not no any body thats ever had a problem
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Colin Lambert
Don't forget only tales of woe get reported here when people want help . see below. 'nuff said! See 'Bongo Chat' can we prove reliability' 26th October. poll. results below.
Can we prove reliability?
Never broken down
76% [ 53 ]
Heating /Cooling problems
11% [ 8 ]
Engine mechanicals
0% [ 0 ]
Fuel problem / Glow plugs
1% [ 1 ]
Engine electrical (starter motor, alternator, etc)
2% [ 2 ]
Other electrical (lights, wipers, etc)
0% [ 0 ]
Gearbox & Differential trouble
1% [ 1 ]
Suspension or brakes
5% [ 4 ]
Drive belts - snapping etc
0% [ 0 ]
MOT failure / Severe rust / exhaust
0% [ 0 ]
Total Votes : 69
Can we prove reliability?
Never broken down
76% [ 53 ]
Heating /Cooling problems
11% [ 8 ]
Engine mechanicals
0% [ 0 ]
Fuel problem / Glow plugs
1% [ 1 ]
Engine electrical (starter motor, alternator, etc)
2% [ 2 ]
Other electrical (lights, wipers, etc)
0% [ 0 ]
Gearbox & Differential trouble
1% [ 1 ]
Suspension or brakes
5% [ 4 ]
Drive belts - snapping etc
0% [ 0 ]
MOT failure / Severe rust / exhaust
0% [ 0 ]
Total Votes : 69