Bongo Fury

Hi all,

first allow me to apologise for not yet posting an introduction, I will as soon as I have something bongo related to post about.

I am looking at my first bongo and have seen two virtually identical in price, millage and condition. One is petrol, the other diesel. I know the petrol is a little more thirsty and a little less torque but from reading it seems the diesel is a little more prone to popping the head gasket....

So all other things being equal what would you do?

Welcome aboard.

The V6 petrol is very smooth but a bit more complicated, however, there seems to be a Government Anti Diesel camapign which is gathering pace.

Having had a V6 for 9 years I'll stick with it

Had my diesel for the same time, and very pleased with it.

We do tow a large caravan, but I'm still aware of the anti diesel crusade.

If I wasn't towing, buying now, and all other factors the same I think V6.

I'm wedded to the diesel I've had for over 10 years. I'd love to try a v6 but by all accounts those who have migrated from diesel to v6 miss the unmatchable torque and the relaxed driving style it promotes.

Mines diesel
I do tow a caravan
But it was the maintenance costs that put me off the v6

And, of course, non of the petrols are 4WD.

That was important to me.

Gasy wrote:Mines diesel
I do tow a caravan
But it was the maintenance costs that put me off the v6

What costs are there above those of the diesel?

BTS wrote:

Gasy wrote:Mines diesel
I do tow a caravan
But it was the maintenance costs that put me off the v6

What costs are there above those of the diesel?

Biggies with the v6 are cambelt change and the dilemma over changing camshaft (and other?) oil seals as there are several reports of these starting to leak with age and mileage and labour cost cheapest if done at same time as cambelt. Against that, the diesel can have its head or gasket go. Cost in either scenario is roughly similar i think. Hydraulic cam followers / lifters can also be noisy / troublesome with v6 and expensive to rectify if so, and it has an ignition system that can play up. And for fuel economy you really want LPG but that is extra capital and running cost. Then again, diesel can have fuel pump issues and warped exhaust manifold. And all but the 2 litre have tricky to bleed coolant systems. BUT you don't buy any vehicle of this sort for frugal running and the biggie with all ageing Bongos is bodywork and rust. The v6 is the king of quietness and smoothness. The diesel is the king of torque. Yer pays yet money etc.

BTS wrote:

Gasy wrote:Mines diesel
I do tow a caravan
But it was the maintenance costs that put me off the v6

What costs are there above those of the diesel?

Buying the caravan.

OK, I'll fetch the famous coat.

Cam belt are expensive jobs on them
Spark plugs and leads arnt cheap

if you live in london i can no longer suggest getting a diesel

as they seem to be getting round to banning them

wonkanoby wrote:if you live in london i can no longer suggest getting a diesel

as they seem to be getting round to banning them

Very true. Seems a shame a handful of old camper vans (which are not really the problem) have to get caught up in this but such is the nature of over reaction, the same thing that caused the rush to buy diesel. But Londoners should really be getting out of their cars regardless of engine type i reckon (with the possible exception of electric) as congestion is the fundamental problem.

Hi all, thanks for the replies, I am not in London, on the contrary I am in deepest darkest Devon, Torquay to be exact so o worries about London surcharges

I guess I need to forget about the type of engine and just go for the best vehicle, I wont be towing so no worries there, this will be a pop away to Cornwall/The moors for the weekend van for me, the wife and the dog.....

mikeonb4c wrote:

wonkanoby wrote:if you live in london i can no longer suggest getting a diesel

as they seem to be getting round to banning them

Very true. Seems a shame a handful of old camper vans (which are not really the problem) have to get caught up in this but such is the nature of over reaction, the same thing that caused the rush to buy diesel. But Londoners should really be getting out of their cars regardless of engine type i reckon (with the possible exception of electric) as congestion is the fundamental problem.

Taxis and buses are the problem in London ask anyone who has to drive there.