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Imported Camper - Mazda Bongo Alternative

foolsgold99
Posts: 412 Forumite

in Motoring
Hi,
I used to have Mazda Bongo and loved it. However, they are nit without their problems (water leaks and rust). There are no other alternatives in the UK and the VW transporters are too expensive.
I was thinking about an American imported van (maybe GMC) and was wondering if anyone has done this?
Specifically;
Any van recommendations?
Any company recommendations?
Any known issues with makes of vans/fuel economy?
Any pointers or experiences would be great :T
I used to have Mazda Bongo and loved it. However, they are nit without their problems (water leaks and rust). There are no other alternatives in the UK and the VW transporters are too expensive.
I was thinking about an American imported van (maybe GMC) and was wondering if anyone has done this?
Specifically;
Any van recommendations?
Any company recommendations?
Any known issues with makes of vans/fuel economy?
Any pointers or experiences would be great :T
0
Comments
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foolsgold99 wrote: »Hi,
I used to have Mazda Bongo and loved it. However, they are nit without their problems (water leaks and rust). There are no other alternatives in the UK and the VW transporters are too expensive.
I was thinking about an American imported van (maybe GMC) and was wondering if anyone has done this?
Specifically;
Any van recommendations?
Any company recommendations?
Any known issues with makes of vans/fuel economy?
Any pointers or experiences would be great :T
I think you'll find any of the American day vans will have diabolical economy by UK standards. I had a neighbour until I moved in December who had a GMC something-or-other, and it got used once a year to go to the MOT station, where he paid whatever they decided to charge him, then from there on a few weeks' holiday and back onto his driveway. Must have cost him a fortune, especially since he reckoned it only did about 18mpg on a decent run.0 -
As above, the vast majority of American vans will be petrol and a good number of those will be either V6 or V8 which while they might sound nice will sup like a good 'un.
What about a Toyota Granvia or Nissan Elgrand, plenty of those around?0 -
http://motorhomes.autotrader.co.uk/dealer-directory
Check on here, put in how much you want to pay(Min/Max)I think this job really needs
a much bigger hammer.
0 -
Thanks folks. That's what I suspected. The UK is a nation of campers but yet it's so difficult to get a decent sized van (not a full motor home). Manufacturers are really missing a trick.0
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Aren't there a lot of conversions based on Fiat Vans? I remember seeing loads at a Caravan exhibition a while ago.0
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There are dozens of options of van conversions. Fiat, Peugeot, Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, VW, Toyota to name a few.0
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We used to have a Chevy Dayvan that was converted to LPG - a lot of bang for your buck. We still run US vehicles but all with LPG conversions.Small victories - sometimes they are all you can hope for but sometimes they are all you need - be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle0
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A Romahome would be the obvious choice - plenty of them around of various eras. There are a number of vans based on the Nissan NV200 and also check out Wellhouse who do conversions on Japanese & Korean imports0
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Buy an old sherpa van or a transit and convert it yourself.
Plenty of videos on youtube to inspire you on what can be done.
I would like a US van but V8 economy even in LPG wont be great, And the V6 will probably be underpowered and use just as much fuel.
A diesel van should win easily. A 2L petrol van would be about the same and you could LPG that instead?Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...0
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