A few issues on a test drive

[IggleDiggle]

Hello,

We are looking at buying a Bongo and have test driven 3 private sales. Can anyone give us advice on some of the problems we found. We are keen in buying one as soon as possible but dont want a maintenance nightmare.

Issues:
The one we were keen on, had all docs for 6 monthly servicing at a reputable bongo garage and bought from a reputable dealer. The owners seemed trustworthy too
The following issues were found:

1. Brakes - foot to floor on brake and stops slowly. Is this just new break shoes, or could it be more serious.
2. Vibration like a bus at back of van while driving - other test drives vibrated but not as bad.
3. On motorway auto was working fine up to 80mph then at one point got stuck at 60mph even with foot to floor. It was sorted by slowing down and re-accellerating. Is this a known issue or, is it an indication of problems.
4. Some rust around the wheel arches. How expensive is this to fix, and is it even possible to stop it once its started.

I know that these vans are older and have some issues, I just want a good base vehicle.

Thanks in advance.

[westonwarrior]

brakes could be leaking pipe or broken master cylinder/servo or slave cylinder

unless its very cheap walk on that alone

[IggleDiggle]

Thanks westonwarrior, we have decided not to buy it, but as we are still looking its good to know these problems for future test drives.
One more issue I forgot to mention was that on two of the test drives was an oily stain on top of the engine, as though some oil had leaked out of it. Again is this a known issue on these older vehicles. Forgot to mention they were 2.5 diesel engines. I was assured by one owner that it had never leaked oil onto the road, but still.

[francophile1947]

Most have oil on the front of the engine on driver's side . It's not an oil leak, but rubbish from the EGR valve - do a search for EGR and you'll be reading for hours It's nothing to worry about

[missfixit70]

This FAQ may help - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =43&t=7229

[mobilecat]

You have to take a leap of faith
Good luck in finding your 'baby'
She is out there somewhere.

[missfixit70]

You have to take a leap of faith
.

Always best to have your eyes open though & check the landing site

[mobilecat]

You have to take a leap of faith
.

Always best to have your eyes open though & check the landing site

Fair enough Kirsty - good point.

[B*Witched Blingo]

It can be one of the most frustrating times looking for the right one. The more you try the more you will see similarities of what is perhaps the norm and also what feels better than others you have tested. Many of us have spent many hours searching and testing.

Have you checked the For Sale Section on the main pages of here. Some are members vehicles others are not.

Take a list of things to check with you and tick them off one by one.

As others have said the right one is out there for you. It might be worth looking at a dealers offerings and pick their brains for information. Or visit a local member for a tour of what to look for

Good luck with your search.

[Debs and David]

Have you tried Wheel Quick at Wigan. They are pretty reasonable and they will convert it how you want, if you want it converting that is. They have a website. Worth having a look. We didn't buy ours from them but we went down there a few times and had a chat and picked up some valuable advice. Cabte a member on here does the decals for them.

Debs

[haydn callow]

Rusty wheelarches ???allow £1000 for a proper job and if the arches are rusty other bits underneath will not be far behind.....Bet it has 2 batteries under the bonnet which are part of the "northern Japan" winter pack.....these tend to rust more than the Southern Japan "single battery ones....All depends on your buget.

[cabte]

Wheelquick are a good rep dealer and you wont go wrong there.
they have also got a good service backup if needed.

[mobilecat]

Wheelquick are a good rep dealer and you wont go wrong there.
they have also got a good service backup if needed.

Agreed - if you buy from wheelquick, OR if you buy a vehicle that they have previously imported or sold, you are most likely onto a winner.