Mazda Bongo

[Mum2Fergus]

My job is now home based so little need for car, thinking of changing it for a Mazda Bongo. A local company imports them and will do full/part conversions. Will be for 2 adults and our 3yo so will probably invest in a driveaway extension too. Any Bongo owners have any feedback hints or tips on my plan?!

Ohh, I'm going to watch this thread, as am really tempted to get a Mazda Bongo instead of our car, and our mates are selling thier one. We have three kids, so am looking at is as an alternative to one of those people carrier type estate things, and as an excuse to go on lots of weekend camping trips and adventures into Europe.

Thats my plan too Zoo...would your friends have mentioned if its economical to run as a day to day vehicle (albeit Id be v low mileage)? We hired one pre DS and had a great time tootling about in it :o)

we just bought one,im so excited,have wanted one for ages. We are off to test it for a few days at half term,ill give you an update.

We have one. It's expensive to use as day to day, but great for all year. Bongo picnics in the winter looking out somewhere beautiful. Trips to hills overlooking town at fireworks time, all of us sitting on the roof watching The fireworks with hot chocolate, chucking the bikes in the back to drive to the countryside etc.

We decided not to convert it, the 8 seats are actually useful for DCs friends etc sometimes. We have a pop up base tent that we use as an awning and keep a camping stove, tables and chairs in there whilst camping, so it's a bit of a bigger space. Plus you have a full double bed downstairs too when you don't convert. DH and I sleep downstairs and DCs 9 & 6 upstairs.
Take a look at The forum bongo fury online for lots of help and ideas too.

I really really want a bongo so I'm going to lurk

Lurking too. I like the idea of ditching one car and getting a camper. You make it sound fantastic EightToSixer.

How does the mpg compare between a diesel Bongo and, say, a diesel Renault Scenic?

The side conversion Im looking at leaves room for a rocknroll bed. Plan on having DS in that for a couple of years before stowing him in the roof lol the driveaway tent will for DP and I. To those who have one...have you found repair costs average or more expensive?

We got one about a month ago and use it as an every day car. Haven't noticed exorbitant cost but we did have a big old people carrier before. Going away in it in a couple of weeks and can't wait to try it out. Our girls are 11 and will go in roof with DH and me downstairs. Haven't bought a driveway awning yet just a big gazebo and a pop up tent for storage. Lovely to drive, great being high up. Kids spends hours in it playing on the drive with their mates.

We have had one for 6 years now. we love it. We use it for our second vehicle. I am on holiday at the moment but will come back to this thread Sunday or Monday. If there are any questions you would like to ask post and I will address them. What I will day is that it has been a great work horse. We have been doing major building work and it has been great for that. It's super for kids parties when I can ferry loads of kids about. We bought an awning which was a great buy. I'll chat more after the weekend.

We ditched a car for a camper that's also used as a second car when needs be and haven't looked back. Its not a bongo though so can't comment on those.

We have an n reg 4wd diesel which does around 20mpg. I wouldn't bother with a conversion as it's less flexible. Dh made a sort of long table which sits behind the rear seats to put cooker etc on when the tailgate is up. We also have 2-man & 4-man pop ups which are used for sleeping/ storing gear as required. Awnings are quite faffy - might as well pitch a tent!