Pipps,
I bought a '96 Bongo about 4 years ago when there wasn't
that much choice. It was 8 seat unconverted. Inside was
immaculate and the body looked good. I had a tow bar fitted,
cam belt change, full service and the underside was already
waxed. The dealer had it SVA'd 12 Months Tax etc. etc. and
3 Months warranty. For all this I paid 10,856 pounds. Not
bad compared to a similar VW.
About 2 weeks after the guarantee ran out, the lower radiator
hose fell off and I had it towed home. My local spanner man
crawled underneath and found the lower radiator hose had
fallen off due to it having no hose clip. He had to replace
all the other hose clips because they were almost completely
rusted through.
About 3 Months later, the plastic top blew off the radiator,
I had a new brass top one made by Sercke. While changing it
I found the wax had covered up some serious rusting underneath.
6 Months later I had to fit a new water pump which had developed
a leak. At this point I thought about parting with it but couldn't
think of anyone I disliked enough to sell it to. So I decided
to persevere with it, it was a pleasure to drive and by this time
the wife (Gawd bless 'er) had got used to driving it.
I am now very careful with the waterworks and have drained and
refilled it with fresh anti-freeze a couple of times. The rust
problems are now becoming worse and the rear wheel arches have
almost completely rotted away. But now it's an old friend, and
at my age I don't have many friends left, I don't want to scrap
it, so if it passes the MOT tomorrow I shall try and do something
about the rust, and the rear brake disks, and the clicking CV
joints, and the.... I could probably go on for ever.
Just over 2 years ago, I bought a late 99 Bongo from a reputable
dealer, low mileage, and almost perfect condition. Expensive, but
it has never been a problem although I regularly change the anti-
freeze, I am probably being over cautious.
A long story, but you did ask.
Grumps.
Pete
