Does Anyone Know This Van?

Anything non-technical about the Mazda Bongo Friendee van

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FGN
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Does Anyone Know This Van?

Post by FGN » Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:46 pm

Hi all,

I currently in the market for my first van and I am considering this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-freda-m ... 1438.l2649

Does anyone on here have any history on this van? It will be my first camper, so I am currently doing as much research as possible.

Cheers!
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g8dhe
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Re: Does Anyone Know This Van?

Post by g8dhe » Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:56 pm

Have you checked the online MoT history ? N8RUU Its had quite a lot of corrosion problems, best to make sure your in a position to check the quality of the work perhaps when you inspect it ....
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Bob
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Re: Does Anyone Know This Van?

Post by Bob » Thu Feb 13, 2020 12:10 am

Just a first thought, but the ad says 'new head gasket'.

It's rare for the gasket to fail and not take out it's pal, the head. :?

And I'd be asking why it failed and what else was fixed, they don't 'just fail'. :wink:
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Does Anyone Know This Van?

Post by mikeonb4c » Thu Feb 13, 2020 10:52 am

I'd be wary. Looks like it might be a fix it up and sell job. It looks like its had wheel arches done but maybe just filler? Its quite a lot of money if it turns out to be a money pit and an N reg is almost certain to have had corrosion issues - the question is, have they been diligently attended to. Unless the owner can convince you on all these points i'd avoid. I note ebay rating is not great. If you're new to Bongos I'd do a lot of homework on the issues to be aware of. Top of the tree these days is corrosion and where it might lurk.
FGN
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Re: Does Anyone Know This Van?

Post by FGN » Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:41 pm

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

I viewed the van at the weekend. Overall the condition was OK, the sill and arch work was to a moderate standard.

Unfortunately as soon as the engine was running there was diesel dripping on to the ground from somewhere. I guess it could be something simple but I couldn't find the source, so it was enough to put me off.
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Re: Does Anyone Know This Van?

Post by Bob » Tue Feb 18, 2020 11:11 pm

Likely a good call.

You'd think it would be preped for sale so that may indicate a lack of maintenance, even if the leak was fairly simple.

Yours is out there. 8)
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