Bongo and conversion: Will up to 10k get us what we need?

[DanUK]

Hi, after our last Bongo got scrapped a few years ago we thought we might not be getting another one! However, as we have a desire to get back into campsites where tents and inflatable beds aren't really cutting it, we've started looking at camper van options.

We were looking at Alphards being the 'next generation' of Bongo but our 10k limit doesn't seem to get us much other than a reasonable unconverted base vehicle.

What we are after is:

- ability to transport four minimum, five maximum.
- ability to sleep two in the vehicle in some kind of comfort i.e. rock and roll bed or whatever can give a resonable level of comfort above the stock seats!
- a unit to cook on and possibly a sink
- we'd probably get an awning for the kids

If this were your cash how would you do it and do you think a Bongo the best way of doing it? I am a bit worried about the usual rust situation on now quite old vehicles but it seems 10k only gets you 'quite old' vehicles anyway!

Thanks

Dan

[Bob]

Classically there isn’t a 'right' answer.

Do you have another car, or does this have to be your daily driver? Will you use it to commute, and how far? Is MPG important?

Would a caravan suit your family? More room, car for days out from site without taking down an awning?

Bigger motorhome? No transport once on site, not useful for work, but easy to drive and set up.

Not an answer, I'm afraid, but some things to think on.

[DanUK]

Thanks Bob,

It is meant to replace our second car which does short journeys to work so MPG not really an issue. That's why we've come back to the idea of a Bongo as it fulfilled this before it broke. However, sleeping in it was not paticularly comfortable and now we're older we're getting pickier with what we sleep on.

Dan

[BongoBongo123]

If someone has looked after their Bongo, they will clearly be stating it in the sale. looked after is in my opinion:

Changed all the rubber and metal pipes on the diesel engine, maybe cut the rear heater out of the cooling system.
(and has receipts to prove it all)
Undersealed it within the last 3-4 years and has receipt
Has no rust or very little on the rear arches, sills, gutters.
Roof works up and down
Side door soft close still works
Changes coolant every 5 years and probably thermostat with an original Mazda one
Changes fuel filter every 2-3 years
Changes oil / filters every 9 months.
Has had all of and rectified all the very common small problems Bongo's have. (diesel tank gauge broke, fuses flooded under bonnet, odometer)

Look out for that kind of thing. You can find that for 10 grand, ours has had all.

And it is the sexy green and silver one.

Sadly a lot of people let them fall apart.

[DanUK]

Thanks dior that, didn't get the notifocation to say anyone had replied so apologies for the delay.

The nearest 'converted' one within budget is this one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156840255920

which seems to be OK according to the MOT info I can get, we'd have change to possibly sort stuff out!

Dan

[BongoBongo123]

x

[BongoBongo123]

Pricey for no AFT, looks clean, inspect it all the more.