Mazda bongo .....what are your thoughts ?

[Merlot man]

Hello all
I'm considering buying a bongo to replace my old van as it can be used as a camper as well .
What I'm after here are people's views on these buses and ,also if someone on here has one ,then their opinion and a viewing / tour of their bus would be great to get my head around all the different aspects .
I will be using it as a van , car and sometimes camper here and on the continent .
I'm aware that some of these buses sometimes have an overheating issue and I'm really not looking to get caught with one of these so how do I check for this problem
Thank you all in advance
Brian

[MX5Spares]

Hi Brain ,they are definitely known for overheating issues.We had one in work (Mazda e2200van,same) years back and it got 2 head gaskets and 1 full engine in about 5/6 years.Personally I would avoid at all costs.There may be other brands like the Mitsubishi equivalent or the old reliable Toyota Hiace(imports are different name maybe but same camper ) .Bulletproof.Most are imports but thats not a problem.I will look around for you here

[Merlot man]

Thanks for the reply Robert
Still like the bongo , elevating roof twin AC , compact size etc .
I was hoping that at this stage that there would be some cures , modifications to help with the overheating problem ?
Brian

[notch000]

theres was a thread about them on boards.ie recently enough,. there was a project build also IIRC. I think some guy in Tuam imports & deal in them so he is probably your man to go talk too

[93 Mk1]

Very very thirsty too I believe. I was considering one when I was looking for a camper. In the end I went down the VW route.
If you're going to be touring the continent, believe me, you will want economy......that way you have more wine & beer money !!

[Merlot man]

Thanks for the replies lads .
I understand your point about the economy 93 mk1 so I'll have to keep that in mind , for comparison do you know how many miles your vw is doing to the gallon ?
You don't happen to know the name / have any contact details for the importer in tuam notch , I know of one person on done deal from Galway, mr bongo , but the advice is to stay clear !!
Again at this stage I'd really like to talk to an owner of one and maybe get a tour of their bus with out the pressure of them trying to sell it to me ! And get their honest opinion of the concept .
Thanks again to you all for viewing and posting on here for me ,I really appreciate it .
Keep them coming
Brian

[Steve]

Hi Brian,
I looked at these too, there is a guy in Athenry who used to import them (not sure if he still does). Decided to go with the VW T4 for several reasons, its bigger/wider, it doesn't have the headgasket/overheating issue, more parts availability, good economy - especially the 1.9 Turbo Diesel I believe - mine was the v.reliable 5 cylinder 2.4 which is was a big factor when shopping and ... its pretty... ish.
If you do go looking for a T4, be aware there are Caravelles with a fuel burning heater available and/or dual zone AC already in them (Multivan?), long/short wheelbase and a fantastic resale market

Of course you know well how easy it is to remove the roof too

[MX5Spares]

What about VW LT van and convert it yourself and they too come in long or short wheel base. Nice to drive (we have dozens in work as minibuses) incl 1 actual van that needs a bit of work ie crunchy 3 rd gear (been like that for about 3 years ) needs starter motor and general tidy up but 1 owner.I not sure they are actually selling it yet but its unused for 4/5 months 2003.white .They usually get sold through a Cavan vehicle auction .Its LWB so might be bit big for everyday use but great as camper conversion. I think SWB LT van may suit

[93 Mk1]

Hi Brian,
I looked at these too, there is a guy in Athenry who used to import them (not sure if he still does). Decided to go with the VW T4 for several reasons, its bigger/wider, it doesn't have the headgasket/overheating issue, more parts availability, good economy - especially the 1.9 Turbo Diesel I believe - mine was the v.reliable 5 cylinder 2.4 which is was a big factor when shopping and ... its pretty... ish.
If you do go looking for a T4, be aware there are Caravelles with a fuel burning heater available and/or dual zone AC already in them (Multivan?), long/short wheelbase and a fantastic resale market

Of course you know well how easy it is to remove the roof too

+1 for the VW route !

[MX5Spares]

Hi Brian ,see nice Toyota Master Ace (liteace type thing) but camper /7 seater set up.Vintage tax also @ 56e and classic insurance.Might be worth a look if its really good?. Owner speaks well of it anyway.Check it out on Donedeal, Motor, classic cars , section

[Will]

Vwt4 all the way. 4 years ago I bought a t4 1.9 td camper with pop top roof. Thought about a bongo but in the end the t4 was a better option. Still have it now. 102 camper tax and insurance is 400. Very reliable. I've only replaced starter motor in 4years. Watch out for tin tops. Insurance has a height restriction. If you can't stand up inside it you can't get camper insurance unless you go with the caravan club Ireland. So pop top or high roof would save you hassle.

[MX5Spares]

Brian , Hiace pop top on donedeal ,in vintage section if I remember correctly.Great van and reliable