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We drove to Wales to view a VW T5 but on inspection we changed our minds, we had concerns about the seal and clamping of the pop up top.
So with these doubts we kept our money in our pockets and return home, extremely disappointed. So now we need to reappraise what it is we want.
On the return journey we saw a Mazda Bongo does anybody have experience of having owned one? As there are only the two of us & a dog from what I can see they seem to be a lot of van for relatively little out lay....am I wrong?
1). Tour round a few dealers and take in a show or two if you can. Take a pad and pencil into all the vans you can find, and gradually work up a list of features you really would like - and a parallel list of those you don't want at any price.
Then you will have a list of criteria that will help you fit your needs to the van of your dreams - and only you (and Mrs Dog) can make those judgements.
2). Put the layout of the habitation area at the top of the list. That is where you will be living, and if it doesn't suit your needs you will not be happy . . . no matter how brilliant the base vehicle, or what a bargain it might have been.
We drove to Wales to view a VW T5 but on inspection we changed our minds, we had concerns about the seal and clamping of the pop up top.
So with these doubts we kept our money in our pockets and return home, extremely disappointed. So now we need to reappraise what it is we want.
On the return journey we saw a Mazda Bongo does anybody have experience of having owned one? As there are only the two of us & a dog from what I can see they seem to be a lot of van for relatively little out lay....am I wrong?
Dont know what your budget is but Pusser's van is for sale (member on here) you can PM him and ask him for details.
Nice van from what I have heard, panel van conversion.
Hi Kindog, we started out with a T4 high top and really enjoyed it for summer use, during the colder weather we found things like opening the side door to get in and out let all the warmth out , the living space seems ok until it rains then you realise how small it is !
( also the bed is very narrow for two + 1 small dog)
Having an awning is good but you have to carry it around all the time.
Having the porta pottty is ok but not very private !!
I have heard the bongo is even smaller inside.
John
Hi Kindog,
I had a Bongo for quite a while when I was on my own.Great base vehicle,very reliable but that 2.5 diesel auto can be a bit juicy!I found mine improved by fitting a K&N air filter and blocking the EGR valve,easy if you are mechanically minded.
As regards the camper aspect,downstairs bed I found a bit lumpy as was made using the two rows of seats,however my experience was before memory foam toppers etc.I tended to use the roof bed which was great but not the easiest thing to climb into through the trapdoor,especially if you may have had a drop of falling down water
It certainly is a little cramped,similar to the VW dimensions probably.
Hope this is of some help.
You are most welcome to have a look at my Toyota Granvia. Have not stuck it up for sale yet as intend to do it Monday but if you are intrested I can send you details.
We bought it initially on retirement to be an all purpose everyday vehicle capable of doing camping holidays as well. we have had a range of motor homes from A class to Z class and this is the most pleasurable to drive and is auto. Captains seats and four belted seats, fridge, two ring stove, rock and roll very comfortable bed, and dual air con which is typhoon strength if required. Electric curtains.
Brand new tyres, brand new bendy wipers, brand new Sony CD radio with usb. Wax oiled underneath and new something belt in engine. Awning, smokey glass privacy and electric switch panel. Swivel passenger with additional casual removable table.
That was the pros and here are possibly the cons but were not for us.
Japanese import and then brand new interior camper van conversion with high top. Under 60k as memory serves and we chose petrol as the mpg is same for diesel roughly and petrol is cheaper and quieter. Diesel recommended for effortless caravan towing. Petrol for instant response and swiftness.
Cruises at 80 and due to health issues for both of us it has only done one journey in July which was a round trip to Yorkshire from Aylesbury.
We expect to take a hit on price because of time of year so an offer will be seriously considered and I think the price to go for will be around the £12500 mark with 3 months guarantee still active and road tax.
Here's a link to the diesel version of an almost identical vehicle http://www.poplarmotors.co.uk/motors_in.php?vID=215 and if you don't like ours I can recommend dealing with this company. Honest as the day is long as is Johns Cross if your sights are set on larger beasts.
Good luck with your hunting and DO take advice from the experienced members above.
Last edited by Pusser on Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:31 am; edited 3 times in total
Reason for change by Pusser: 23 edits including price change from £1250 to £12500. (that's inflation for you)
À tous mes amis du forum thankyou pour toutes vos pensées agréables et avec son amour derrière moi je lutterai contre mon conflit avec un esprit de postive et le triomphe
If you fancy something a bit more 'full sized' but still on the Panel Van take a look at the Trigano Tribute. I had a look at these on eBay for a friend and was amazed to see Facelift (current shape) models for £22k and the previous shape for £18k.
Separate toilet / washroom, the later ones have a huge fridge with separate freezer, oven/grill/4 rings etc.
Great time to buy - especially private is now until Jan, so watch out for bargins and haggle hard!
Also use Caravan Selecta, Motorhomes.Mobi, Autotrader and eBay.
We bought a A/S Topaz on a VW T5 2.5 very disappointed with it sold with in 2 years
VW side unreliable back and forth the dealers and the A/S side was even worse .
changed to a Ford Transit Mk7 far better .
I think VW T5 are far overpriced for what they are .
Mike
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I will change it and thank you for pointing that out. XXXX
