Bongo Fury

I'm thinking about trading my 1996 2.5 turbo-diesel for a later model and I think I fancy a V6. Diesel is becoming stupidly expensive; the V6 can't use any more fuel and is, I suspect, smoother and quieter. Are there any serious technical problems? I've replaced the exhaust manifold studs, rectified the electrical defect on the fuel gauge, and I'm generally "all-about" with technical stuff, so "normal" petrol engines are no mystery to me; but what manner of engine is this? Is it used in any other vehicle?

When we bought ours I thought the V6 would be a little thirsty but after nearly two years I'm glad we went for the V6, a very smooth enjoyable drive indeed

It's not a common engine, not used in anything else in this country AFAIK, so some spares can be a little more costly/time consuming to obtain I think, may be worth thinking about LPG conversion, many have gone this route. Not as good at towing as the TD apparantly, but a much smoooother drive.

V6 engine was used in some Mazda 929s but, as Kirsty said, I don't think they were imported here and most seem to be 3 litre versions.

expresso bongo wrote:I'm thinking about trading my 1996 2.5 turbo-diesel for a later model and I think I fancy a V6. Diesel is becoming stupidly expensive; the V6 can't use any more fuel and is, I suspect, smoother and quieter. Are there any serious technical problems? I've replaced the exhaust manifold studs, rectified the electrical defect on the fuel gauge, and I'm generally "all-about" with technical stuff, so "normal" petrol engines are no mystery to me; but what manner of engine is this? Is it used in any other vehicle?

Just do it....I have done exactly the same thing, I owned a '96 4X4 aft for 2 years, and loved it too....but just kept looking at the new shape tin top V6s', and finally took delivery 3 weeks ago, and now have that stupid grin on my face every time i look at it, let alone drive it!!, and have not really noticed too much difference in running costs thus far...

Pablobongo wrote:

expresso bongo wrote:I'm thinking about trading my 1996 2.5 turbo-diesel for a later model and I think I fancy a V6. Diesel is becoming stupidly expensive; the V6 can't use any more fuel and is, I suspect, smoother and quieter. Are there any serious technical problems? I've replaced the exhaust manifold studs, rectified the electrical defect on the fuel gauge, and I'm generally "all-about" with technical stuff, so "normal" petrol engines are no mystery to me; but what manner of engine is this? Is it used in any other vehicle?

Just do it....I have done exactly the same thing, I owned a '96 4X4 aft for 2 years, and loved it too....but just kept looking at the new shape tin top V6s', and finally took delivery 3 weeks ago, and now have that stupid grin on my face every time i look at it, let alone drive it!!, and have not really noticed too much difference in running costs thus far...

Aye,

10.2 UK MPG Is not too bad

As Pablobongo says just do it - we average 21mpg give or take a slight variation. It is so good to drive ! Just so pleased with mine - into our fourth year of roaming and no probs getting parts for us - mind you never had to get any major parts!

The noise it makes, makes up for the fuel consumption, Back on track with 21 ish to the gallon again now, always been around there except when i had a timing issue, don't go near any town centers that kills your mpg, new parts have not really been a prob, have struggled to get second hand parts coz i'm a tight arse I'm the other way around when i got mine sorted and tidied i'm gonna trade it in for old school diesal cause i've got as much veg oil as i need for free.

D

cheffy34 wrote: i've got as much veg oil as i need for free.

one of the perks of the job eh!!

brorabongo wrote:

cheffy34 wrote: i've got as much veg oil as i need for free.

one of the perks of the job eh!!

Yep that'll be the one Donald!! don't get to many of em so it needs to be taken advantage of really. My oil man is a nice gent even they are now buying the waste back because they have seen a massive reduction in waste returns. I even had someone fone the kitchen direct the tuther week aswell asking if i would give them my waste. i politely said no that will be mine i'm afraid.

To steal a well know slogan "just do it"

From a fellow V6 owner

Yay .... Go for it and do get an LPG conversion too ... I honestly font worry ( toouch) about fuel costs now and it's my only vehicle !! If u do get aconversion check on here for recommended converters .., I heard about a dodgy one down in the Cornwall area when I was there so best to stick with one that someone has previous used ...

That's all very encouraging, thanks very much. It seems I can't expect an improvement in fuel consumption (I get 23mpg, 24 if I'm really frugal!) and opinions seem to be divided over LPG. I do tow (not very often) but only a motorcycle trailer, so I don't expect a problem there. I might buy the beast and get the conversion done at Budget Bongos in Southampton, as they're near me and seem like decent folks, though I've had no dealings with them yet. How much is the road tax?

Not sure on tax - think it's same as diesel. One massive difference is you can't get 4x4 in petrol version so for me it's diesel or nothing !. If this isn't an issue i guess losing a couple or three miles is worth it for the silky smooth ride but heh the diesel isn't that noisy !

expresso bongo wrote:That's all very encouraging, thanks very much. It seems I can't expect an improvement in fuel consumption (I get 23mpg, 24 if I'm really frugal!) and opinions seem to be divided over LPG. I do tow (not very often) but only a motorcycle trailer, so I don't expect a problem there. I might buy the beast and get the conversion done at Budget Bongos in Southampton, as they're near me and seem like decent folks, though I've had no dealings with them yet. How much is the road tax?

£215.00 a year road tax.