rusty bottoms...should I not buy?

[Alastair]

Hello Bongo fans.

I want to buy a van - first time - and have viewed one but need to make up my mind...

Im a little worried as the underside is pretty rusty. The spare wheel has never been used and metal is brown.
That said engine from bonnet down is clean looking. Also no rust under wheel arches. Private owner said it was manufactured in 03 and imported in 07 (03 plates), 68K miles and diesel tintop.
Oh and owner says he has replaced head and cambelt.

I like the van, I want the van and I can just about afford it (5.6K). (to become a camper) But should I be worried that
1. bottom is really quite rusty (engine area only not body)
2. head replaced and
3. I dont really know if it is 03 manufactured - can we check?

What do you experienced people think. should I walk away?
Thanks
Al

[scanner]

I'd be asking why it has needed a head so young and after so few miles?

If it has 03 plates it is 03 original registration in Japan unless someone has told porkies to the DVLA and had the documentation to prove it. As DVLA will not issue or allow a registration mark that shows a vehicle to be younger than it really is, even if it was first registered abroad.

[Kincaid]

There's always plenty more fish in the sea!! If it doesn't feel right then why not go and see some other vans to give you a better frame of reference?

[Harry]

Sounds expensive for an unconverted tintop.

I'd be looking at 3.5K maximum, especially if it hasn't been looked after...ie been waxoiled shortly after import.

Unprotected bits of the bongos tend to be rust magnets and panels are very thin compared to many vans.

Have a look in the 'for sale' section in the main area...you don't have to be a member for that bit.

Near you is a tintop for sale owned by 'You've been bongo'ed'...Carl who lives in Newcastle -u-Lyne. He really knows his stuff and looks after his vans...its a V6 though..not a diesel.

Localish dealer is Ian Taylor...he has a good rreputation.

good luck

Harry

[You've Been Bongod]

pm sent

[bigdaddycain]

Sounds expensive for an unconverted tintop.

I'd be looking at 3.5K maximum, especially if it hasn't been looked after...ie been waxoiled shortly after import.

Unprotected bits of the bongos tend to be rust magnets and panels are very thin compared to many vans.

Have a look in the 'for sale' section in the main area...you don't have to be a member for that bit.

Near you is a tintop for sale owned by 'You've been bongo'ed'...Carl who lives in Newcastle -u-Lyne. He really knows his stuff and looks after his vans...its a V6 though..not a diesel.

Localish dealer is Ian Taylor...he has a good rreputation.

good luck

Harry

I 2nd that.

[mikeonb4c]

Near you is a tintop for sale owned by 'You've been bongo'ed'...Carl who lives in Newcastle -u-Lyne. He really knows his stuff and looks after his vans...its a V6 though..not a diesel.
Harry

I agree - it'd be mad not to look at Carl's, as it's been owned by someone with an eye for a good Bongo. The V6 is the smoothest of the Bongos and v. powerful, and his is a good looking beast. And the price saving (5.6k is a lot for a tintop unless it's a v. good one) would more than make up for the (slightly) worse fuel consumption of the V6. Carl knows Ian Taylor so I'm sure his Bongo has been thoroughly vetted and looked after etc, (although as ever, with any private purchase, the smart thing is to keep a portion of the price saving aside as self-warranty until the car has proved itself)