Bongos - costs and other questions

[snobbyafghan]

I'm thinking of changing my much-loved Dimension 2 for a Bongo.

Why would I do this if the Dimension is much-loved?

Well, the Dimension (just over 2 years old) represents quite a financial investment and, to be realistic, we just don't use it enough to justify that - it spends most of the year doing nothing.

So, I'm thinking that a way of keeping in touch with motorhoming with less financial exposure would be to get a 2nd hand Bongo and sell the Dimension.

So, Bingo people, first question, am I likely to get a decent example for, say £6-7000?

Second question - how do the beds work in a typical Bongo; are they in the roof space?

I notice that the driving area isn't used whilst in camping mode (unlike in the Dimension) and that seems a bit of a waste of space in a small vehicle.

Any answers and further observations would be appreciated.

Thanks

Doug

[yamaha]

Oct 4, 2009 15:46:11 GMT snobbyafghan said:

I'm thinking of changing my much-loved Dimension 2 for a Bongo.

Why would I do this if the Dimension is much-loved?

Well, the Dimension (just over 2 years old) represents quite a financial investment and, to be realistic, we just don't use it enough to justify that - it spends most of the year doing nothing.

So, I'm thinking that a way of keeping in touch with motorhoming with less financial exposure would be to get a 2nd hand Bongo and sell the Dimension.

So, Bingo people, first question, am I likely to get a decent example for, say £6-7000?

Second question - how do the beds work in a typical Bongo; are they in the roof space?

I notice that the driving area isn't used whilst in camping mode (unlike in the Dimension) and that seems a bit of a waste of space in a small vehicle.

Any answers and further observations would be appreciated.

Thanks

Doug

There speaks a man of impecable taste!!!

Yes, you should get quite a nice example for that sort of budget, Doug - however, should you fancy a post 2000 vehicle that has a camper conversion, as I understand they need to have to be registered if less than 10 years old, then you could be looking at double that budget!!

Ours is a 95 2.5td auto Freetop - some are tintops without the roof space, as you probably already know.

We don't have a camper conversion in ours - nor want one - as we are happy to put up our awning, and live, cook and eat in - and the van for just sleeping in. We adore ours - and yes, there is space in the roof for either one person in "comfort" - or 2 Jap-sized adults - but if you need a wee downstairs in the dark hours, prepare for both of you to be awake - as you sleep on the trap door!!

The cab CAN be used as part of the bed - basically, the options are a full-size double bed by using the centre and rear seats - or, as we tend to do, the centre and front seats - this is mainly 2 singles, as the engine comes between your feet and legs - but you DO meet further up!! The reclined seats are certainly not Romahaome-type flat, so some sort of mattresses are recommended.

If you haven't had a close look around a Bongo, I urge you to do so - it's such a unique vehicle, with electric roof - electric window blinds - 2 lots of aircon - the list goes on - but totally different to what you have now!!!

Mike

[Dabs]

Hi Doug
Apart from adding that a Bongo makes a great deal of sense as a "Do All" vehicle Yamaha sums it up perfectly.
My conversion which is a rear galley style one makes use of the driver and front passenger seats to make up the beds.In my honest opinion the side conversion (behind the driver) is the best option,but everyones needs are different.I think this is what makes Bongo ownership special as no two vans are alike,yes similar but very different in the individual owners own way.I would say best route is to firstly organize a test drive and a viewing at a reputable dealers possibly buy an unconverted one and after research and some thought have it done to suit yourselves.
Personally I would never sleep two in the roof again a personal comment here it isn't big enough nor practical enough to do so,its feasible but too small.
The Bongo is a great choice buy a good one its superb,its essential to do some homework and no better place than www.bongofury.co.uk all the answers are there on the Forum and website (and its very friendly too) no better point of reference!!

You have a good budget too Doug you shouldnt have a problem aquiring a nice one!!

Good luck with this Doug if you need any more help or info just ask.

Dabs