thinking of buying my first bongo need help please

[Skinnydog1973]

Hi i am looking at buying my first camper and i think its going to be a bongo im going to spend about 23k on one but was wondering wether i should get the 2.0l petrol or the 2.5 diesel which is the best one to get. is the mpg ok with the petrol or will it drink the petrol,I will only be using it for weekends away it will not be a daily runaround and is it even worth getting an lpg conversion ?
thanks for any advice my head is spinning lol

[g8dhe]

Welcome aboard!

That's a very expensive vehicle for a Bongo! at £23k! I do hope that is fully waxoiled/undercoated and fully converted to your own specification.
The 2.0l is generally thought to be underpowered, but there are plenty using them, just don't expect to be breaking any speed limits
Myself I have 2.5l V6, I'm on my second one now. I certainly wouldn't go for a 2l myself, we tried a diesel 2.5l and whilst it had the power it also had the noise level to go with it, whilst the V6 was a very quiet purr.

Good luck in your search!

[Skinnydog1973]

hi thanks for the reply its from a proper bongo specialist and yes spec to our design just wasnt sure if i would regret buying the petrol with spending that much might have to make sure he has a diesel one in stock first

[g8dhe]

You won't find the V6 is that economical on camping trips then I'm around 25mpg, however around town 18-20mpg is more like it. The 2l is certainly better but not by a vast amount some people claim 30mpg but most are in the 25-28mpg range.

[Bob]

Welcome aboard.

Good info from Geoff, bear in mind these are all getting on a bit so rust free is very important.

Depending on where you plan to use it is 4 wheel drive important to you? Some of the diesels are, none of the petrol ones.

[Bongolian]

Wow.. that is a lot for an old Bongo, never mind checking the undersealing.. I’d want it gold plating
As described already, these are not frugal vehicles in comparison to modern vans, my 2.5 diesel can do 30mpg+ on a run, but generally, does more like 25 - 28 around town, and don’t forget, as they age further they become more and more an enthusiasts vehicle. Do you enjoy tinkering.? Otherwise you’ll need to ensure you have someone local who’s got the knowledge (and doesn’t charge the earth).
I really enjoy mine, (when I can get the keys off my son) but it was pocket money in comparison to what you’re looking at.
If I were spending that much I’d likely go for something newer myself, if you do get one then you must..must..must make sure it’s not going to rust away on you.

[Skinnydog1973]

we are looking at buying it from The Bongo Barn in northumberland as it is very close to where we live and is a specialist bongo garage

[Ian]

we are looking at buying it from The Bongo Barn in northumberland as it is very close to where we live and is a specialist bongo garage

That's a lot of money but Tim at Bongobarn has an excellent reputation for sourcing top quality vehicles and for his after-s ales. I have a 2 litre petrol, fully converted, and I'm more than happy with it. It does about 28 mpg average and cruises nicely on the motorway at 65 mph.