Bongo front window and tailgate strut problems

[cmm303]

Looking to buy my first Bongo and therefore hunting at the cheap end of the market. Looked at a prospective Bongo and went through lots of checks from this forum which revealed:

Front passenger window struggled to go up and down when operated from its own switch
Driver's side window switches did not work at all for either window (so presumably a switch or wiring problem to that door)
Tailgate would not reliably stay up (it was cold and there is a bongo bike rack fitted)
oh and also I'm not sure if the roof elevated to its maximum height - the canvas seemed floppy.

I don't have experience of Bongo specifics but have bashed FAQs etc so I anticipate:
The passenger window to be a runner jamming problem unless motors are a known weakness?
Driver side switches to be faulty
One or both gas struts on tailgate to be tired, but presume they are special spec for bike rack. Expensive? Available?
Haven't a clue about roof!

Any advice on my (ignorant) diagnosis, and rough costs would be really welcome.

Thanks
Chris

PS It was a big disappointment because I walked away without buying "to rethink", and a Bongo did not join our family this afternoon.

[Simon Jones]

With regards to tailgate struts, most people use SGS http://www.sgs-engineering.com/

I recently sent them an enquiry as I have a rear ladder and the tailgate tends to drop when cold. This was their reply:

New up-rated gas struts are available at a cost of £150.34 for the pair delivered (£59.99 per strut plus £5.30 carriage and VAT), are covered by a two year guarantee and are available on next day delivery.

Some struts can be re-gassed/up-rated depending on their condition so a visual inspection by us must be made in order to assess your struts, which is free of charge. If you try a re-gas and it is not successful within the warranty period we will discount the cost of the re-gas from new gas struts purchased from SGS Engineering. A re-gas is £48.36 delivered for the pair (£17.50 per strut plus £5.30 carriage and VAT) and struts are usually turned around within three working days. Payment can be made via credit/debit card and you will be contacted for payment once your struts have been tested and are ready for dispatch.

[wonkanoby]

dodgey broken wires between doors and frame is usual front electric problem

recall people using a plastic tube sliced long ways slipped over chrome bit to hold rear up

when extra weight was envolved

[dave_aber]

Re. the roof, when it's on the way up, it beeps continually. Once it gets to max. height, the beeping stops. It isn't unusual for a roof to need a helping hand the last inch or so - especially when it is cold (canvas tighter) and/or the roof hasn't been used in a while.

You can clean / lubricate things to help it get all the way up on its own.

[cmm303]

Encouraging replies! Thanks for the help. It seems few things are insurmountable once you Bongo it. Just nervous of ending up with massive bills or irrepairable items.

Chris