Bongo Fury

I have cash in my pocket and am looking to buy a Bongo. I have read through many of the posts and picked up loads of tips. Thanks everyone. But, there is so much info it would take me until Christmas to read it all.

I now know that they might all overheat.
That they are all thirsty, (some more than others).
And they are all fun to own.

There seem to be quite a lot of V6 versions out there, is there anything specific that I should look for when viewing one? I read about leaky camshaft seals e.g. I quite like the idea of a quiet drive so wouldn't mind one of these.

Hi Bigharty, and welcome to the forum! Like any car mate, it could overheat... The bongo has received an unfair press (outside bongo circles) for overheating, blowing heads etc... Most don't mate, a VERY small proportion do unfortunately. A few simple checks of hoses/connections etc is usually all that's required for a bongo coolant peace of mind

Thanks mate. That's what I figured. Just need to find a nice one now.

There are plenty about, first and foremost (with any bongo) If it's not a fresh japanese import, (therefore has endured british gritted road winters) then check that the floorpan has been undersealed (waxoyl is the usual preventative measure). Vehicles produced and designed for use in the home market only don't have extra floorpan rust protection added, as they don't grit the roads over there! Check the rear arches, and the seam where the front wing joins the sill for rust, and the crossmember at the front of the bongo.

Best of luck in the search.... I agree with BDC. I would add that folks have got used to running cars where you jump in turn the key and fill it up with petrol, untill it needs a service.... off to the dealer, etc. How many folk actually check oil, water, coolant at the intervals suggested in the owners handbook? if you get into the habit of doing a quick visual check regularly, and a more thourough check prior to setting out on a long journey, you will get to know the van a whole lot better and can spot any problems before it is too late. I am no mechanic, but am starting to know my way around the bongo reasonably well now! I would also add that since we have had it our bongo has cost us far less than our mondeo estate (which is an 05 plate and two years newer than the bongo with a lower mileage)

Welcome bigharty. Sounds like the lads have got it all covered in the posts above. Good luck and Happy Bongo Hunting

dunslair wrote:Best of luck in the search.... I agree with BDC. I would add that folks have got used to running cars where you jump in turn the key and fill it up with petrol, untill it needs a service.... off to the dealer, etc. How many folk actually check oil, water, coolant at the intervals suggested in the owners handbook? if you get into the habit of doing a quick visual check regularly, and a more thourough check prior to setting out on a long journey, you will get to know the van a whole lot better and can spot any problems before it is too late. I am no mechanic, but am starting to know my way around the bongo reasonably well now! I would also add that since we have had it our bongo has cost us far less than our mondeo estate (which is an 05 plate and two years newer than the bongo with a lower mileage)

And don't assume the diesels are noisy, if the engine compartment seals are doing their job properly they aren't.

Although diesels may appear to be noisier initially, the engine doesn't get any noisier the faster they go - unlike petrols where induction noise increases as the throttle opens up.

scanner wrote:And don't assume the diesels are noisy, if the engine compartment seals are doing their job properly they aren't.

Although diesels may appear to be noisier initially, the engine doesn't get any noisier the faster they go - unlike petrols where induction noise increases as the throttle opens up.

I have driven both and didn't think that the diesel was noisy. Nor do I think that our own petrol one is noisy. They are just different. But both great fun to drive, and very versatile.

dunslair wrote: I have driven both and didn't think that the diesel was noisy. Nor do I think that our own petrol one is noisy. They are just different. But both great fun to drive, and very versatile.

My point exactly.

Diesels can appear noisier because of the different character of the sound, but just don't get much worse the faster they go - road and wind noise soon drowns out anything else.

Petrol engine noise may increase as the throttle opens and induction roar increases.

Dont forget the 2.0i, if your servicing yourself this one is the easiest (I'm 67 so I need it to be easy, a cam belt change takes 1-2 hours only)! Also the bleeding is bleeding easy - no pipe to hold up and down - ok so its not got the same power as the V6-ers or the oil-burners but 75-80 mph on the motorway is fast enough for me.....but must admit its no good if you want to pull a caravan on back.
Check some out before you decide.
Best of luck on your choice.