Mazda Bongo Campervans - York

[Robny1977]

Has any any experience dealing with Mazda Bi go Campervans in York?

What are they like, looking to potentially make a purchase from them?

Thanks for any info
Rob

[Hazzobongo]

Mine was imported by them and had the sills undersealed the van itself is pretty much rust free three years on and I'm happy with it. I bought it in january from the first owner with 60k miles on the clock, about 95000kilometers with sparse history and the PO didn't have the timing belt changed so I had to find a bongo garage for the work, I found one in Thirsk. I had contacted them to inquire if they knew if it had been done recently as the van is 32 years young and the reply was 'they never snap', I assured him timing belts on everything snap and had the job done. I'd have done it myself but the other issue with a diesel bongo is bleeding the coolant system properly which is why I hunted down the bongo specialist in thirsk.

Like most of these importers they source very good condition Japanese motors, they seem to be getting predominantly petrol tin tops presently so if you're buying be aware that kitchen conversions for these vans run at around 3k unless you're prepared to do the work yourself. Mine had a side kitchen fitted but I'm in the process of locating it to the rear of the van, materials have cost me around £500 and I've been plodding at it for the last month or so and another week should see it finished.

Theres another importer at Middlesborough docks, I also viewed a van there, it too was like brand new but I caught out the salesman in two lies and although the van ran great, looked great etc the issue for me were the lies and the temp guage not working when I viewed it, yet it was working when the van was photographed so I walked away and found this one with a popup roof, a few less miles and in great condition. Happy hunting.

[-Matt-]

Hazza is right, they still are mainly petrol models, pretty much 80% of his stock is 2.5V6's, mainly aftermarket roofs, a few AFTs.
His kitchen units look good and just plug into the rear cig lighter.
They are clean, new wheels etc, undersealed and very good condition (want to be for that price), but have not bought from him so can't comment on that.

[Robny1977]

Hi,

Thanks for the responses, we are going to have a look next Thursday. I realise they're on the more expensive side but they do look very tidy but no idea about the mileage.

The kitchen unit also seems to be very basic but would work quite well for us.

Glad to hear there has not been any horror stories from dealing with them as yet, gives me a bit of confidence to go and see, although given there prices I think that allows me to be a little more picky when looking over them.

Rob

[Hazzobongo]

If they're fresh imports they'll be immaculate, the one I viewed in Middlesborough looked like it hadn't been on the road it was gleaming and I'd have taken it but for the lies.

[-Matt-]

One thing to think about, is that I would check and double check anything that might arise from being stood for a period of time.
I don't know what his turnover is but there's vans that have been in there for months with very little movement (I go past every day, work nearby) so make sure you do all the checks

[Robny1977]

One thing to think about, is that I would check and double check anything that might arise from being stood for a period of time.
I don't know what his turnover is but there's vans that have been in there for months with very little movement (I go past every day, work nearby) so make sure you do all the checks

Thanks, good to know. I'm going there on Thursday to see what he has so I'll be sure to check. Does he have quite a few sitting there, lots of choice or is it just one or two etc

Have to travel 2 hrs just to see

[-Matt-]

One thing to think about, is that I would check and double check anything that might arise from being stood for a period of time.
I don't know what his turnover is but there's vans that have been in there for months with very little movement (I go past every day, work nearby) so make sure you do all the checks

Thanks, good to know. I'm going there on Thursday to see what he has so I'll be sure to check. Does he have quite a few sitting there, lots of choice or is it just one or two etc

Have to travel 2 hrs just to see

I'd say there's maybe around 10 vans, they move around the yard depending on what work is being done. Seems to be a good rotation, not sure how far they move but there's definitely ones that haven't gone far.
I know some have "Just arrived, awaiting preparation" signs in the window.