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THE HISTORY OF THE MAZDA BONGO
The Mazda Bongo is a van and truck produced by the Mazda company since 1966. However, when we talk about campervans, most people are talking about the Mazda Bongo Friendee, which was first built in 1995 for the Japanese market.
Any that were imported to the UK are unofficial – this just means that they weren’t intended to be sold in this country. They’re the same as the Ford Freda – Ford and Mazda are the same company.
The Bongo was manufactured for 10 years, with production ending in 2005 when the factory where they were made burned down. They’re falling in popularity in Japan where they were originally produced, but they’re a really popular option for campervan conversions in the UK market.
Most Mazda Bongo vans have automatic transmission although manual models are available. The diesel Bongo is also offered with all-wheel drive.
You can choose between vans with a flat-top roof, or those with an elevating ‘pop-top’ auto free top roof. If you’ve bought a flat top, then you can also add your own elevating one if you want to change it.
Take a look at this video tour of a converted Mazda Bongo.
Pros:
- Front and rear air-conditioning as standard
- Narrow design and auto-close sliding door is convenient for parking in tight spaces
- Low insurance costs compared to other similar vans
- Lots of mod-cons for their age – electric blinds and door mirrors etc.
Cons:
- Not the best fuel efficiency – you might get 30mpg if you’re careful
- Mid-engine design means no swivel seats (but aftermarket options are available)
- Unofficial import means Mazda UK garages won’t be much help
- Early models can be prone to rust easily around the wheel arches
Quirks:
- If you import your own (and many do) you’ll need to convert the speedometer – Japanese models only show km/h
- Japanese car radios have a very narrow bandwidth. You’ll need to upgrade it if you want the normal range of UK stations
- Some early models have factory-built kitchen units already installed
- Imported cars are high quality due to Japan’s rigorous ‘Shaken’ tests, which sees models traded in frequently, leaving them in better, less-worn condition.
If you have found a Mazda Bongo that you are interested in buying or already own a campervan why not use our free service to compare campervan insurance quotes from multiple specialist insurers. You simply need to fill in one quick and easy form to receive quotes.
INSIDE A MAZDA BONGO
In its standard configuration pre-conversion, the Mazda Bongo has two rows of three seats in the rear. The rear bench will be either on a sliding rail or will be split in two. Either way, folding the seats completely flat or removing them for a conversion is really straight forward.
Remember that the front seats don’t swivel by default. Many conversions only use the rear as living space, adding fold-down sofa beds that can provide seating and somewhere to sleep, in the absence of a bedroom roof space.
Bongo vans aren’t tall enough to stand in without the pop-top roof. So, the interior will always feel a little cosy. It’s common for a conversion to run along just one side of the van to provide enough space for fold-out beds or seating. Other people prefer to install an outward-facing kitchen pod at the very back of the van.
From there, it’s all down to your personal preferences – because plywood storage is customisable to the van and both cheap and sturdy, you can easily paint it to create a homely theme. Add a few cushions and you’ll have a comfortable, relaxing space without having to spend thousands.
MAZDA BONGO CAMPER CONVERSION TIPS
A lot of Mazda Bongos don’t even need converting – they’re already really popular as a campervan so if you don’t want to put in the effort then you should have no trouble finding one that’s ready to go.
However, if you’ve spotted a bargain Bongo that’s not yet been converted, here are five great tips on how to make the most of this versatile van and turn it into the best compact camper possible.
- Storage
The interior of the Mazda Bongo isn’t huge, so you’re likely going to want to prioritise adding some clever storage, otherwise you’ll need to pack light. Flatpack storage kits made from plywood are easy enough to build (you just need to be confident enough to do it yourself) and are nice and sturdy without costing the earth. - Bedroom space
In terms of sleeping space, the best option is to use the pop top as your bed area if you have that on your model. If you don’t, and you want to keep costs low, know that the chairs fold completely flat, so you can easily just add some storage for temporary bedding, and have a good-sized sleeping area ready every night. Otherwise consider adding the pop top. - Seating area
The front seats of the Mazda Bongo can’t rotate due to the design of the van being mid-engine. You can have them swapped though, so if you’re only going to use the van for two people then this can help to maximise the rest of the space in the rear, as you can easily remove all other seating.
- Power
A lot of people like to add solar panels to the Mazda Bongo. The roof is a good size to add a simple panel configuration that, while costly upfront, can help you power every camping essential you need without draining the leisure battery.
Use the community
The absolute best tip for converting a Mazda Bongo is to get involved with the online community – it’s huge! Sourcing parts and tips that are perfect for the Bongo is easiest when you get online and chat with existing owners. Bongo Fury’s forum is really active and great for getting ideas. And get on YouTube to check out some conversion videos like this one
MAZDA BONGO PRICES (AVERAGE)
The price of a Mazda Bongo is going to depend on the usual factors, like mileage and how well its been maintained. But it’ll also factor in whether it’s a factory-model (unconverted) or if you’re buying one that’s already been used as a campervan.
Mazda Bongo: Parts, Accessories & More
IG Maynard is a one stop for Mazda Bongo enthusiasts. Find parts, accessories and advice across their website or get involved with the Bongo chat on their specialist forum.
A third-party conversion for a Mazda Bongo will normally cost you around £2,000 so if you’re buying a factory model and don’t want to do the work yourself, bear that cost in mind. That doesn’t mean you should consider a converted model worth £2,000 more than an unconverted one though – it’s important you check the quality of the work if it’s a DIY job!
MAZDA BONGO ALTERNATIVES
Unsure whether the Mazda Bongo is the right one for you? Check out these other options:
Ford Freda
This car is exactly the same as a Mazda Bongo, just with a different name and badge. So if you find one, you’re still going to be welcomed into the Mazda Bongo fan club!
Nissan Vanette
Third- and fourth-generation Nissan Vanettes were also re-badged Mazda Bongos, and so are incredibly similar. They’re not as popular as the Bongo and so are much harder to find, but with no real benefits over a Bongo there’s no reason to hunt one out.
Kia Bongo
Similar names – very different vehicles! The Kia Bongo is a cabover pickup truck. It’s not really what you’re looking for as a camper van, unless you find the Kia Besta variant. They’re not imported into the UK though, you can only buy them in Europe.
Toyota Hiace
- Production – 1967 to present
- Dimensions – 4.3-5.9m (length) x 1.7-2.0m (width) x 1.9-2.3m (height)
- Engine sizes – 1.3L–4.0L Petrol, 2.2-3.0L Diesel
First- to fifth-generation Hiace vans are all relatively similar in size and style, and are more comparable to the Mazda Bongo, although again tend to be more mid-range in quality and price. Sixth-gen Hiaces produced since 2009 are much bigger and more expensive.
Volkswagen Transporter
- Production – 1950 to present
- Dimensions – 4.5-5.3m (length) x 1.7-2.3m (width) x 1.9-2.4m (height)
- Engine sizes – 1.1L–2.8L Petrol, 1.9-2.5L Diesel
Transporters are the most common van converted into a camper. Sizes vary by generation but a benefit (that will justify the higher price) is that they are officially sold in the UK, and so repairs/parts are easier to source.
Mitsubishi Delica
- Production – 1968 to present
- Dimensions – 4.4-5.0m (length) x 1.7-1.8m (width) x 1.8-2.1m (height)
- Engine sizes – 1.1L–2.4L Petrol, 2.4-3.2L Diesel
The Delica is designed as a 4x4 van, and so is really well equipped to off-road terrain. It’s likely to be more comfortable than the Mazda Bongo if you tend to hit rougher roads more commonly.
Nissan Elgrand
- Production – 1997 to present
- Dimensions – 4.7-4.9m (length) x 1.8-1.85m (width) x 1.8-2.1m (height)
- Engine sizes – 2.5L–3.5L Petrol, 3.0-3.2L Diesel
Early Elgrand models from 1997 are very similar to the Mazda Bongo, but tend to cost between £1,000 and £2,000 more than a ’97 Bongo would.. More recent Elgrands are considerably more luxurious but will cost £20,000+.
THE MAZDA BONGO FAMILY
While the VW camper community is really well known even outside camping fans, there’s a thriving Mazda Bongo community that might not be quite as famous but is just as supportive. Despite being out of production for so long, the relative low costs, compact but comfortable size and the condition of used Mazda Bongo vans makes them a perfect camper van for families.
Despite the lack of official support from Mazda UK garages, this friendly community makes it easy to find spare parts or technical help if you have a problem with your Mazda Bongo. You don’t need to know tonnes about maintaining an engine – if you have a problem, ask on one of the community forums online and you’ll soon have an answer and the help you need to get the part fixed.
SEE IT IN ACTION!
Want to learn more about the Mazda Bongo from others who’ve made the leap? Check out these great blogs to see what other Mazda Bongo owners have managed to do with their camper, and the adventures they’ve enjoyed.
TraveLyn Family Blog
Travel Vixta
Bella Bongo Blog
Yellow Fields Camping
ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW?
·Are Mazda Bongo campers any good?
Mazda Bongo campers are reliable, easy to get around in (and park) and definitely more affordable than many more luxurious options. At the same time, official support in the UK is lacking from Mazda, and the fuel consumption isn’t the best. If you just want a simple campervan that’s easy to convert then yes, Mazda Bongo vans are a good option.
·Do Mazda still make the Bongo?
No, the Mazda Bongo Friendee (the popular camper van option) ended production in 2005.A new Mazda Bongo Van DX was introduced in Japan in 2020, based on the Daihatsu Gran Max. It’s too new to have really become popular in campervan conversion circles.
·How much does a Mazda Bongo conversion cost?
A third-party conversion of a Mazda Bongo is likely to cost in the region of £2,000, provided you are only looking at a relatively simple side conversion to include storage and a kitchen unit. Extras, such as adding a retro-fit pop top or solar panels, will cost more. You can buy flat-pack kits to do your own conversion for around £500.
·Is a Mazda Bongo a car or a van?
The Mazda Bongo is an eight-seater minivan. The production models were intended to be used as an MPV for larger families.
·Do Mazda Bongos have toilets?
The Mazda Bongo does not have toilets built into it but you can easily pick up a portable camping toilet and store it away.
·Are Mazda Bongos insulated?
Yes, the Mazda Bongo is fully insulated, although if you intend to camp in colder locations and during the winter you might want to invest in a separate heater.
MAZDA BONGO CAMPERVAN REVIEW: FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re in the market for an affordable campervan, then a Mazda Bongo could be the perfect option. They offer the compact nature of an older VW Transporter conversion, along with the sizeable and friendly online support community, but at a lower price point. The vans are still good quality though, as they are often imported after only being owned for a few years in their original Japanese market.
Drawbacks include a lack of official Mazda UK support, although you can get around this with the help of the Mazda Bongo family, and the poor fuel efficiency. If you’re travelling long distances regularly then you might want something with a higher MPG, but for occasional holidays this shouldn’t be a huge issue.
Check out our other campervan reviews
- Renault Trafic campervan review
- Ford Nugget campervan review
- Toyota Alphard campervan review
- Nissan NV200 campervan review
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If you have found a Mazda Bongo that you are interested in buying or already own a campervan, why not use our free service to compare campervan insurance quotes from multiple specialist insurers. You simply need to fill in one quick and easy form to receive quotes. Hopefully we can help you find the best deal!
