like a VW van but not a VW van...?

[NicolaDunsire]

Thinking about getting a van, possibly for a bit of camping, but more for having the space for all the kids, wetsuits, surfboards, dog, being able to brew up a cuppa at the beach etc. We live in the SW and most people locally have a VW van for this function, but DH & I are unique, special people, & don't want to join the masses Any recommendations on alternatives?

I have a Mazda Bongo. The conversions come in different styles, ranging from a small side or back kitchen to a full downstairs kitchen and living fit out, which is what I have. The ones with the smaller kitchen arrangements would be better suited to surfboards etc than ones like mine.

I love mine, she’s great and I’ve had a blast. She’s 26 years old, which does mean she has a few issues associated with older cars (mechanically, Bongos are really reliable; they do develop faults with electrics and undercarriage needing welding though) and isn’t very eco friendly.

Photo attached for size reference.

Ah ComtesseDeSpair I have thought of Bongos, been a bit put off by joining a Bongo FB group that makes it sound as if they have lots of problems! I guess that's because people post about the bad things...

The overheating / coolant loss and the welding are the big ones. If you make sure yours has already been sorted by the previous owner, there’s not usually a lot else that goes wrong. Mine has cost me about £250 a year on average over four years of ownership in repairs, but she was cheap to begin with so it’s evened out.

I have to get rid of mine this year as I live in London and isn’t ULEZ compliant - which is an issue with most older vans and likely to spread country wide in time.

Ford Tourneo Custom. Two in the front, 2 rows of three in the back. Newer ones have these able to face each other. All seats come out and/or fold up anyway. Sliding doors each side. You can stand under the rear hatch - a friend has made a canopy thing that goes over the top and sides for changing. The newer ones have USB ports as well as the cigarette lighters. Much cheaper than a VW.

Just consider why lots of people have them before getting too het up on being different.

@MiloAndEddie

Just consider why lots of people have them before getting too het up on being different.

Aren’t they just issued at the county border along with the Dryrobe & the spaniel?

Yes, I realise there might be a reason why everyone has them.

Yes I see some of those at the beach too. A possibility MelissaVonStressel

Apparently the Fords depreciate in value more quickly but obviously a lot cheaper in the first place...

it does seem like it

I’ve got a v class Merc 7 seater it’s really nice to drive you don’t know you are driving a van. Luxury seats, nice insides and super fast acceleration (top spec though)

I’ve had a vw caravelle too which is more spacious (less plush seats etc) can get loads of stuff in. Just practical. It’s more van like to drive not so smooth

Had a Hyundai van (loan service) - terrible to drive never again....

I’ve had Ford tourneo - terrible just cheap

We have a ford, we love the nugget popup plus but it wasn’t available in the UK when we bought ours and it is very expensive. So I bought a van to convert and essentially copied the nugget, having a toilet on board is great.

Following as my husband is convinced he can convert his work Transit (essentially a filthy, lethal, travelling workshop) to be a camper van on weekends 😳 and I'm not convinced it's a great idea...we might just bite the bullet eventually and get some kind of camper.

Laquila its definitely possible to convert into a camper - my dad has a beautiful high top Transit camper that my brother converted for him - but sounds like it being a work van as well might be a bit tricky!

@NicolaDunsire I absolutely believe it's possible to convert a Transit to a lovely comfortable camper van that I'd want to holiday in...but not THIS Transit!! 😁