Bongo Fury

Looking at getting a Bongo and have heard the cylinder heads are prone to warping after about 100K (depending on how abused they are)

Is this right?
Should I only consider a Bongo which has had a new head or is cheap enough to price in £1000 for a new head?

Working on a budget of 3K max so I know I'll need a bit of luck to find the right one.


Thanks for any help!

Not a must by any means, but they are a bit more prone than other vehicles for heads to go (usually cracks, but can be warping). I'd be wary of buying one with a head recently done, unless it's got a decent warranty with it, lots of bodgit & scarpers going on, especially as th supply of decent bongos starts to slow down.
Decent test drive, do your homework & as many checks as you can & as you say a dose of luck - as with any vehivle purchase - even brand new ones

Beachcomber wrote:Looking at getting a Bongo and have heard the cylinder heads are prone to warping after about 100K (depending on how abused they are)

Is this right?
Should I only consider a Bongo which has had a new head or is cheap enough to price in £1000 for a new head?

Working on a budget of 3K max so I know I'll need a bit of luck to find the right one.


Thanks for any help!

If you are that paranoid about buying a Bongo then I suggest you buy a VW instead....see what you get for £3.000 quid....

With a low budget try looking for a tin top. They give a lot more bang for the buck as the main demand is for the rising roof. Unless you have to have the four berths there are some good ones in your price range.

The head problems are usually due to overheating caused by neglect of the cooling system. There are some very high mileage ones on the forum that have been looked after and never had head problems.

New Forest Terrier wrote:
The head problems are usually due to overheating caused by neglect of the cooling system.

Not necessarily so unfortunately, there have been a good few very well maintained bongos that have had head issues, myself included, if only it were that simple

Sorry Kirsty. I had forgot about your immaculately maintained one. I was thinking about Harrys high miler and Muz's which seems to go on for ever.

No doubt I will find out on my own some time.

Thanks for the replies.

I'll need the pop top as the missus insists we take the kids on trips. I know, they won't come to any harm locked in a cupboard with plenty of bread ans water but theres no pleasing some people.

Got my eye on a few on eBay, hopefully be part of the gang soon.

Thanks again.

Beachcomber wrote:Thanks for the replies.

I'll need the pop top as the missus insists we take the kids on trips. I know, they won't come to any harm locked in a cupboard with plenty of bread ans water but theres no pleasing some people.

Got my eye on a few on eBay, hopefully be part of the gang soon.

Thanks again.

Have you checked the "pre-owned" ones for sale on here first?

Ebay would be well down my list for buying a Bongo from.

I have had a look through - some very nice ones up for grabs but a bit beyond my budget.
Might have to save a bit more to get something just right.

Any private sale or some trade sale is always a gamble

I bought mine off ebay I took an educated gamble by biding a price where if it had a problem I would not be way out of pocket if I had to spend out on it.
I took along time over it too waiting for the right on to come

I did have to it cost me £7.50 each for 2 internal handles and £13 for the disk that controles the vents

I was very lucky

the bargains are out there but be carfull where ever you buy

westonwarrior wrote:Any private sale or some trade sale is always a gamble

I bought mine off ebay I took an educated gamble by biding a price where if it had a problem I would not be way out of pocket if I had to spend out on it.
I took along time over it too waiting for the right on to come

I did have to it cost me £7.50 each for 2 internal handles and £13 for the disk that controles the vents

I was very lucky

the bargains are out there but be carfull where ever you buy

My experience exactly. Nearly 5yrs of deeply pleasurable ownership. Like NewForestTerrier, I'm optimistic mine will join Harry's and Muz's in the longevity hall of fame (now wait for the sky to fall in ha ha! but even if it does, I'll be philosophical about it and set about fixing it, and properly).

I must admit after seeing Weston Warriors van I can say it is VERY good value

mikeonb4c wrote:

westonwarrior wrote:Any private sale or some trade sale is always a gamble

I bought mine off ebay I took an educated gamble by biding a price where if it had a problem I would not be way out of pocket if I had to spend out on it.
I took along time over it too waiting for the right on to come

I did have to it cost me £7.50 each for 2 internal handles and £13 for the disk that controles the vents

I was very lucky

the bargains are out there but be carfull where ever you buy

My experience exactly. Nearly 5yrs of deeply pleasurable ownership. Like NewForestTerrier, I'm optimistic mine will join Harry's and Muz's in the longevity hall of fame (now wait for the sky to fall in ha ha! but even if it does, I'll be philosophical about it and set about fixing it, and properly).

Mine clicked past 150,000miles on Sunday.