What kind of car is the Mazda Bongo?
The Mazda Bongo (Japanese: マツダ・ボンゴ, Matsuda Bongo), also known as Mazda E-Series, Mazda Access, and the Ford Econovan, is a cabover van and pickup truck manufactured by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 1966. It has been built with rear-, middle-, as well as front-mounted engines.
Where to go camping in a Mazda Bongo?
Our first Mazda Bongo camping trip was to Hayfields campsite in the Peak District, which is perfectly located for a hike up the Kinder Plateau. This ended up being a good reccy for the camper, to work out where everything goes and how it all works. We really recommend doing a reccy close to home when you first buy your Bongo camper.
How much does it cost to convert a bongo to a camper?
A conversion on top is around £4k. Then one Friday night this one popped up on our eBay search. It already had the interior side conversion we were looking for, the AFT, a rock and roll bed (where the back seats pull out to a bed), and it was mechanically sound! We checked the MOT history on this government site and it looked good.
Where do the boys sleep in the Bongo?
The boys sleep in the AFT. There’s a little hatch for them to climb through, they then close this, put the mattress down on top and snuggle down to sleep. We sleep in the main section. The back seats fold out into a bed.
The Mazda Bongo (Japanese: マツダ・ボンゴ, Matsuda Bongo), also known as Mazda E-Series, Mazda Access, and the Ford Econovan, is a cabover van and pickup truck manufactured by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 1966. It has been built with rear-, middle-, as well as front-mounted engines.
Our first Mazda Bongo camping trip was to Hayfields campsite in the Peak District, which is perfectly located for a hike up the Kinder Plateau. This ended up being a good reccy for the camper, to work out where everything goes and how it all works. We really recommend doing a reccy close to home when you first buy your Bongo camper.
A conversion on top is around £4k. Then one Friday night this one popped up on our eBay search. It already had the interior side conversion we were looking for, the AFT, a rock and roll bed (where the back seats pull out to a bed), and it was mechanically sound! We checked the MOT history on this government site and it looked good.
The boys sleep in the AFT. There’s a little hatch for them to climb through, they then close this, put the mattress down on top and snuggle down to sleep. We sleep in the main section. The back seats fold out into a bed.
Why are the windows not working on my Mazda Bongo?
Gearbox aside, another common issue with the Mazda Bongo is the electrical windows not working. This issue is often linked to either the window switches breaking, a loose fuse in the fuse box (or a blown fuse) or occasionally it is traced to a loose connection in the loom where the wiring goes from the “A pillar” to the driver door.
Are there any rust problems on the Mazda Bongo?
The Mazda Bongo sills are some of the van’s parts mostly affected by rust. In severe cases, the rusting magnitude warrants a replacement of the inner sills. Key areas to check for Bongo rust are starting from the rear cross member, rear arches (inside and out).
What causes the head gasket on a Mazda Bongo to fail?
One of the Mazda Bongo common problems is head gasket failure (normally caused by the overheating mentioned above), depending on how severely it has failed it isn’t always immediately obvious either! Take the cap off the coolant reservoir and check for bubbling. This is a sign of air being pulled in through the head gasket.
Is the Mazda Bongo a good car to drive?
The view from the driver’s seat was good, and it was very easy to drive because of its small turn for its size. Since the seats are flat, it was convenient for staying in the car and taking a nap. The average fuel consumption is 6km, and if you run a long distance, you need to refuel more often, which is not good for your wallet.
How big is a Mazda Bongo compared to a VW camper?
The Mazda Bongo dimensions are: 4.58m (length), 1.69m (width), and 2.09m (height). Comparatively, a VW Camper is 4.89m (length), 1.90m (width), and 1.94m (height). And why didn’t we opt for a VW Camper? Well the biggest difference in the Mazda Bongo vs VW camper debate is that Bongo campers are MUCH cheaper to buy and maintain than the VW camper.
How did the Mazda Bongo get its name?
It has been built with rear-, middle-, as well as front-mounted engines. It also formed the basis for the long running Kia Bongo range. It is named for the African Bongo, a type of antelope . Mazda first introduced its small van, the Bongo, in May 1966.
How can I check if my Mazda Bongo is working?
Sit inside the Bongo and check all the controls work – aircon, front and rear heating (when fitted) or climate control, all wipers, windscreen and rear screen wash etc. If it’s not obvious, ask what the switches are for. If the Bongo has rear heating and air conditioning, get in the back and make sure it works via the controls on the side pocket.
1. Introduction The Mazda Bongo, also known as Mazda Access, Mazda E-Series, and the Ford Econovan, is a cabover van and pick-up truck produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda from 1966 to present. The car has been fitted with either front-, middle-, as well as rear-mounted engines. The car is named for the African Bongo, a kind of antelope.
Where are the corrosion areas on a Mazda Bongo?
Common corrosion areas are the front and rear crossmembers, inside the wheel arches and inner and outer cills. If it is corroded, many can be welded and repaired, so you can factor the cost of repair into the purchase price. If a Bongo has been undersealed, it will have a black or clear coating over the metal.
Sit inside the Bongo and check all the controls work – aircon, front and rear heating (when fitted) or climate control, all wipers, windscreen and rear screen wash etc. If it’s not obvious, ask what the switches are for. If the Bongo has rear heating and air conditioning, get in the back and make sure it works via the controls on the side pocket.
1. Introduction The Mazda Bongo, also known as Mazda Access, Mazda E-Series, and the Ford Econovan, is a cabover van and pick-up truck produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda from 1966 to present. The car has been fitted with either front-, middle-, as well as rear-mounted engines. The car is named for the African Bongo, a kind of antelope.
Common corrosion areas are the front and rear crossmembers, inside the wheel arches and inner and outer cills. If it is corroded, many can be welded and repaired, so you can factor the cost of repair into the purchase price. If a Bongo has been undersealed, it will have a black or clear coating over the metal.