Mazda Bongo ?? (1 Viewer)

[Toffs-G]

Hi,

I am thinking of buying a second car (now that I am married) and was thinking of maybe getting a Mazda Bongo. Budget about 10k. It seems it would be easier than the MH for days out and work well as a car?

Does anyone have any experience/opinions etc?

Thanks
Gary

 

[scotjimland]

Hi Gary

I've also been looking at them as an alternative to having two vehicles .. plenty for sale and they have a big following.. but was put off by the low MPG .. from what I've read the 2.5diesel only manages the low twenties.. it will be interesting to hear from owners if this is the case..

There is a nice one for sale in the classifieds, an auto petrol, it may be better.. but I doubt it .. I used to run a petrol HiAce van that barely managed 20 mpg

 

[rainbow chasers]

Have a look at the Nissan Elgrand - slightly bigger in body size, but not prone to head gaskets and no cam belt to worry about!!:thumb:

You can pick one up for around 5-8K or 10K converted to a four berth camper. People I know that own them have not a bad word to say - and with nissans' reliability record to boot.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[scotjimland]

Have a look at the Nissan Elgrand - slightly bigger in body size, but not prone to head gaskets and no cam belt to worry about!!:thumb:

You can pick one up for around 5-8K or 10K converted to a four berth camper. People I know that own them have not a bad word to say - and with nissans' reliability record to boot.

Thanks, any idea of MPG ?

 

[rainbow chasers]

Average is 30mpg - mate reckons he gets 35 - he doesn't drive like a loon though! lol!

Nissan are good for power-to-weight ratio, and use bigger engines (3.0t & 3.2t). It aids both economy and life of the engine - (my last nissan was sold at 576,000 miles)

If you get a petrol/lpg one, then you can look at something like 50.(equiv)

If you want the recovery technicians view......i have recovered plenty of bongos - NEVER an elgrand....in fact on 3 nissans ever - one was a 280,000 sunny with a fuel pump gone, other two were crash damaged!

Link Removed
Begging for LPG -

Link Removed

Camper

 

[DESCO]

Never owned either but a mate uses a Nissan Elgrand cabbing and would not use anything else, proved very reliable.



Dave :thumb:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[hilldweller]

Does anyone have any experience/opinions etc?
Gary

So for the odd day out you want an oldish complex vehicle when instead you could get a new/newish vehicle, cheap to run and respectable to go anywhere in.

You need a good management consultant !

 

[lesleyjean]

I have a Mazda Bongo and my son also has one. The reason that I am selling mine is because there is only ever 2 of us travelling in it and the rear of the vehicle is never used. Although I love them I am looking for a smaller car more suitable for 2 people. I just use my Bongo as a car and have never slept in it. I have my motorhome for holidays and weekends. I bought it because I just love them. My Bongo does about 25 miles to the gallon. My son likes to travel and will go to Newcastle or Southport just for the weekend, one hell of a mileage for a weekend. My son sometimes sleeps in his. I personally think they are excellent vehicles and they have a huge following in the UK. I still love them but as there is just the two of us the rear is surplus to requirements, but each to their own. Have a look on Link Removed.

Just my view.

Lesley

 

[Snowbird]

Used to have a VW T4 as an everyday vehicle with the 1.9 non turbo diesel. It was very good on MPG and very comfortable and reliable.
Quite like the Ford similar to the Bongo,is it a Frendee or somthing.
Was looking at one last year,everything electric,including the bed,even the curtains were electric. Also not to big,so it could be used as everyday transport.
Am thinking along the lines of A framing somthing like this.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[rainbow chasers]

Used to have a VW T4 as an everyday vehicle with the 1.9 non turbo diesel. It was very good on MPG and very comfortable and reliable.
Quite like the Ford similar to the Bongo,is it a Frendee or somthing.
Was looking at one last year,everything electric,including the bed,even the curtains were electric. Also not to big,so it could be used as everyday transport.
Am thinking along the lines of A framing somthing like this.

The bongo cannot be flat towed, unfortunately! You would be fine with a berlingo, or acty type thing!