Is it a good buy?

[Bongonewbie]

Hi guys I really am new to all this - posting in forums and
stuff so bear with me.
OK so I've fallen in love with the bongo and need one now!
I clicked on one of the dealer links in Essex ( I'm based in kent) they've got a couple of 2004 bongos up for £5240 - £5295 both have been reduced with bout 50k on the clock. Is this a good deal?. I'm thinking of working my way up to a camper conversion but can't afford one yet.
Any advice for a newbie greatly received or if you could point me in the direction of a reputable dealer that would be great thank you.
Eva

[mikeonb4c]

Hi and welcome. Don't rush to buy. Read up on all the things to look out for with bongos and if not savvy about cars try and get help from someone who is. Are these petrol or diesel Bongos and will you have much need to travel in London?

[cmm303]

Difficult to give any specifics about price - there are too many variables. Best guide is to look around at other adverts and you will get a feel for age vs mileage vs history vs features (AFT is worth a bit) vs price

Condition and servicing is paramount. Just be aware that good condition Bongos are becoming harder to get hold of and unscrupulous dealers have been known to mask problems.

Budget for the things that the seller can't satisfy you about. e.g. cam belt change, Low Coolant alarm

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

Your approach of buying unconverted and sorting out how you want to use it in slow time is common and a good idea.

[Bongonewbie]

Thank you for replying
Both cars are petrol and come with 12month warranty, says they're both new imports.
Don't think I'll be using it for London driving(I've got another car I commute to work)
I've only been looking for couple months so I really should wait
Thanks for the link I'll have good look when I get home don't think work appreciates me looking at bongos all day

[cmm303]

Thank you for replying
Both cars are petrol and come with 12month warranty, says they're both new imports.
Don't think I'll be using it for London driving(I've got another car I commute to work)
I've only been looking for couple months so I really should wait
Thanks for the link I'll have good look when I get home don't think work appreciates me looking at bongos all day

Take a lunch break off from Bongo research

[mikeonb4c]

OK well hopefully rust shouldn't be an issue. I assume they are not lifting roof models. The 2 litre petrol is not over endowed with load lugging power but should be adequate in a lightly loaded tintop except perhaps in hilly country. V6 petrol is expensive when cambelt change due (every 60k miles or 5 years) so factor in if relevant. Petrol Bongo mpg is poor - may be less than 20mpg on short runs and 25-27mpg on open roads (whether 2 litre or v6) though you could spend £1.5k or so and get an LPG conversion. Factor in cost of GOOD underseal etc.