Mazda Bongos; are these vehicles a "grey" import?
I have a friend who asked what they're like as a Day Van.
Is there any particular thing to look out for?
Which engine size is best?
Bongos & the near identical Ford Freda were all 'Grey' imports. A cheaper alternative to VW T4's & 5's but running costs are likely to be higher. The 2.5 petrol engine is thirsty & the 2.5 diesel has a history of head gasket problems. Most of them came with an automatic gearbox & many of them were 4wd, neither of which help the mpg. There are plenty of specialists & lots of camping accessories (kitchens, pop tops etc) are available. Rust can be a problem (rear arches etc) so check thoroughly. There will be good ones out there, just be careful & to be fair they are no better or worse than similar vehicles of that age.
We had a Bongo 8 seater (not camper converted) for a few years. It served us well and was about half the price of a similar VW, which is what we were originally looking for. We loved it, but unfortunately so did someone else as it got nicked and no trace of it was ever found. We were members of Bongo Fury, and found the other members on there to be really helpful.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Mazda Bongo
