Bongo Search - Guidance Appreciated!

[moesymoe]

Hi folks,

So I already feel like I'm a Bongo addict, and I don't even have one yet. I've been looking for a camper for a while and after coming across a Bongo recently and learning more about them, my mind is made up as it is exactly what I'm looking for. I went to see one that was available locally, that had just been resprayed and almost fell in the trap of getting too excited about how nice it was inside and how well it drove. But there were a couple of indicators of rust that I now realise are major red flags that there were a lot of hidden issues, so thankfully I dodged a bullet there.

I'm living in Ireland, but unfortunately the market for Bongos here is very small, so the plan at the moment is to find a reliable, affordable Bongo online in the UK and travel over and pick it up.

My ideal Bongo is as follows:
- 4wd 2.5 diesel automatic, AFT
- Full camper side conversion, R&R bed with 2 seatbelts
- <100k miles
- £7000-£8000
- Tow bar, leisure battery

I've been in touch with a variety of the recommended dealers on this site, but most of the bongos on offer are quite a bit above my budget. So I'm trying to figure out what other approach I could take to find a reliable bongo online.

Obviously the main concern when buying sight unseen is rust and trying to find a Bongo that has been treated well on arrival and maintained well since. Ideally, I'd really like to find someone that bought through a dealer that provided the Japan side photos, and had proof of the maintenance carried out since. I notice there was a recent sale on here with this information.

- Overall, I'd love to hear what approach you, as more experienced bongo folks, would take in my situation?
- Do you think my budget is realistic?
- Is it common for sellers to have the original Japan side pictures available or is this unrealistic to expect?
- Do most of the higher quality private sales get sold through dealers, or do they typically come up on ebay or on here?
- In terms of rust, is a little rust to be expected and somewhat acceptable or is it the case that once there is a bit of rust, I should steer clear?
- Any advice on what other key indicators I should be looking for and asking about when in touch with the seller.
- Are there certain dealers that would be more reliable for second hand sales? e.g. JAL seems to focus on fresh imports and the prices are quite high. Southern Bongos and Bongo Camper Van Sales both have some reasonable options available. Any opinions on the quality that can be expected from these sellers?

Thanks,

[Bongolia]

Hi and welcome
Some how you have a duplicate thread.

Try this thread for starters,others will be along soon to help answer your questions I am sure.
http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... lit=quinny
You wont regret owning one, provided you get a good un!
Good luck