I used to have a previa. We are now thinking of getting a Bongo. If i tell you what we want it for maybe some of you with Bongos could give me some info.
I have 3 kids, partner has 1, so sometimes we'll need 6 seats. This will also be a day to day car for school runs etc. We would also like to use it as a camper, so obviously we will need a side awning with bedroom pod. Is an unconverted Bongo big enough to carry 6 people and all the camping gear (awning, camping stove, airbeds, bedding, chairs, table, clothes etc?)
Would you recommend this car as suitable for the use i described above? A daily car, plus weekend/short stay camper for a largish family?
We have just brought one that is a part conversion... Still has six seats (one can flip up) also the camper unit can be moved and the other seat added to give you 8 seats... Also planning on using mine as a family car too..... not sure about a holiday for 6 in them may be a bit of a squash!!!
Oh so you can have a part conversion without losing the MPV value? Cool! I wouldnt use a Bongo for all 6 of us without a largish awning (and possibly a pup tent for eldest) and would use the Bongo for sitting/sleeping only and the awning for cooking/sitting/sleeping.
We use our bongo as our everday vehicle, the only slight downside being parking in towns as sometimes there are height barriers which are too low. It's deceptive in size - it looks big because it is tall but it isn't much longer or wider than many estate cars but the layout inside is brilliant. You've got the option of carrying seven passengers comfortably or opting for one of the many conversions that suit. We have kept ours unconverted as that suits us. We have two kids and all four of us can sleep very comfortably in it although we generally sleep in the awning, a Khyam family sleeper which is massive and fits the bongo like a glove. If its a bit chilly or bad weather we sleep inside on self inflating mats, very cosy!
I'd recommend the bongo for so many reasons - space, versatility, great to drive and many more. We go off camping most weekends and are off to France next week. The bongo we have may be 12 years old but it never misses a beat. It flew through it's MOT with no advisories and the servicing costs are small as the dealer we bought from does a great aftersales service.
Check out bongofury.co.uk for all the ins and outs, you'll get answers to everything on there.
Hi i had a good look around that website yesterday, its very good! I was wondering about the seating - do the rear seats (middle row) swivel to face the back row? Also, when using all the seats, is there any boot space? Im just thinking about 6 people going camping and fitting the gear in too?
This car sounds perfect in its versatility, we have weekends just the two of us, when the kids are with their dad, so something to sleep just the two of us is great, but also with an awning, all of us and a large family car - brill!!
Some people reverse the middle row of seats (I gather it's not too complicated) and the middle row also fold down to make a table. If you pull the front seats forward and tilt them forward you have two more seats in the back when stationary. You do have a pretty good sized boot space when all the seats are down but it may be a struggle to fit in all the camping stuff. Most bongos have split rear seats which means you can fold half up giving you more space. With some careful packing you could just about do it. You also have limited space under the seats. Some bongo owners have boxes mounted on the back on a type of bike rack system which would give plenty of storage, or theres always the option of a trailer! Go and view some and play with the interior, you'll be hooked! If you register on the bongofury site there is likely to a local member who will let you look at theirs.
I owned a bongo for over a year and must admit they are an incredible vehicle but are just to small to use as a campervan for any more than two people with any real comfort,
I sold mine as I found it just to small for me the wife and the two kids(both under 5)...and with diesel at around £1.30 a ltr and an in town MPG in the low twenties it'll prove very expensive to run as an everyday car..... finding a decent alternative to a bongo with decent MPG and the same versatility is nigh on impossible without spending a fortune though.... also be aware that there is problems linked to the cooling system which can lead to expensive repair bills so be very careful when buying....bongofury is definitely the place to visit ...though too many of the owners appear to be peering out through rose tinted spectacles....
Had our bongo for nearly 3 months now and have used it extensively since for camping. Re mpg, we are finding it no more expensive than when we towed our caravan. We dont use it as an everyday car though so can't comment on everday fuel consumption. It took a bit of thought transferring from the home from home facilities of the caravan to change to a camper, never mind a small camper like the Bongo but I believe it was the best move we could have made. Having a stand alone awning gives us the extra space if we want it (although for overnights we tend not to use it) and we can be up and away in no time. I love the Bongo and cant wait till next year's camping season, although I fully intend to use it during the winter months. Incidentally, we did think about buying a VW campervan first but price dictated our final decision. On reflection, apart from the "cool" factor of a VW the Bongo stands up to its rival well and I'm happy with my choice!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Mazda Bongo anyone?
