buying a bongo - axle bushing damage

[jsabina]

Hi everybody,
I am new here and I am trying to buy a bongo.
Unfortunately budget is tight (and I am in Ireland, not the UK).
I found one I could (stretching) afford, with 100k mile, reconditioned engine and seems ok.
The main problem that the seller told me is "Back axle bushing damage. There's a new faint cloncky noise. "
He is stating that it is cheap to replace, but unfortunately I am no expert.

I will try to ask to a mechanic, but unfortunately I can't bring the mechanic to see the bongo, so I thought to check with the experts here if it's something bad / going to cost a loot of money... or anyway ideas...

thanks!

[Bob]

Welcome aboard.

I'm not familiar with this problem, but 61 years suggests if a problem is really easy/cheap to fix any seller will get it fixed and sell as 'All Good'.

If there's more to it they will say its cheap/easy to fix once you've bought it.

[Bongolia]

Welcome aboard.

I'm not familiar with this problem, but 61 years suggests if a problem is really easy/cheap to fix any seller will get it fixed and sell as 'All Good'.

If there's more to it they will say its cheap/easy to fix once you've bought it.

Agree with this, the times you see "simple fix" in an advert, SO WHY NOT FIX IT THEN!
Still if you are stuck for choice....
There are several bushings on the rear of the van related to the axle. Some are simple others are a bit more awkward to do.
As long as it is a bush and not a mounting for a bush then they are do-able by any competent mechanic as they are generically the same as anything else out there that uses that set up.
Can you get an image of the part is faulty.
Better still, if you are not sure get an independent mechanic to look it over.
Would he/she be willing to accompany you to a garage and get it checked or could you have a motoring organisation check it for you over before you buy?
Is it a private sale or a trader?

[jsabina]

thanks everybody for all the quick replies!
Yeah I was wondering why he wouldn't fix it if it was so easy :/

It is a private seller.. I will try to ask him for a picture if he is able to take it, what he told me is that "Back axle bushing damage. There's a new faint cloncky noise. This might fail the DOE, but is cheap to replace. It's just rubber joint."
So I am not sure if he saw exactly where the problem is ...
The price of the bongo is quite cheap, compared to the other ones on sales in here (well, around 5k eur anyway), but I wouldn't want to have to spend a fortune then to fix problems as I am not expert myself..
(If only Ireland would make importing a vehicle easier I would get it from a dealer over there )

thank you!

[rita]

Ask the Seller what they mean by "Damage" or is it simply "Worn" bushes" causing a knocking noise.

Don't forget to get under and check All the nooks and crannies for Rust.

[mikeonb4c]

Remember also with old Bongos to check THOROUGHLY for rust in unseen places.

[Merlot man]

At last another bongo fan from Ireland !
If it's a knocking noise coming from the rear axle it could simply be the anti roll bar bushes , easy and cheap to fix , or any of the other bushes back there ! Get him to repair it
Where are you locating the bongo Is it in Galway ? I'm based in co Clare
As said earlier rust and overheating are your biggest problems on these buses
Please buy these buses with your eyes WIDE open as most I've looked at have not really been maintained too well !
Get your or an independent mechanic to thoroughly inspect the bus before you part with any cash ,if that's a problem with seller walk away .
I don't mind showing you our bus if that would be of any interest to you , oh and I'm NOT selling
I'll show you the good and bad points
Beat of luck with your Search
Brian