Mazda Bongo Friendee 2.5TD Auto Free Top
This van is in excellent working order.
As an automatic it is easy to drive.
It is 4-wheel drive, and has a sport gear and a low gear for slippery conditions.
It is not suitable for off road since it doesn’t have much ground clearance, but it copes fine with a bumpy muddy campsite.
Unlike many campervans, it has an electric pop-top. It also has tinted rear windows with built-in electric blinds.
It serves as a minibus, transporting 8 people plus luggage.
It can also be arranged as a 5-person dining table.
With the back seats folded down, you can get a good double bed arrangement. I add a 5cm Vango SIM to make this more comfy. There is side and rear access through the sliding door and the lifting tailgate boot.
With the roof up there is headroom to stand and there is space over the front seats to stash luggage.
With a drive-away awning, this has made for a decent camping setup that allows the Bongo to be used for daytrips.
I have not converted the van. I recommend camping in it a few times before deciding how to convert it. I have seen many lovely conversions but none that allow 8 passengers.
There is one easy upgrade I would make next if I kept the van. Storage cupboards can be attached to the ceiling of of the main cabin. From experience, I would recommend these as a very useful minor upgrade. These items can be tracked down on the Bongo Facebook groups which are teeming with friendly and knowledgeable Bongo experts.
This vehicle is in its original configuration with the additions described:
• towbar with electric connection
• Goodmans head unit with DAB, Apple CarPlay, dash cam, and reversing camera
• Clifford Mk III security system with central locking, immobiliser, and security code
• Eberspächer Diesel Heater
• Leisure battery
• Electric hookup with distribution board and a single internal socket (easily extended)
• Split charge relay so EHU can top up leisure and starter batteries
This vehicle is registered as private light goods (PLG) with the DVLA. After conversion it ought to be possible to change it to a motor caravan.
This van is in its original configuration.
The rear seats fold down to make a flat(ish) bed. I use a 10cm auto-inflatable mattress on top to make it comfier.
In the AFT, the kids use sleeping bags on foam mats.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
Get tips, tricks, ideas and advice for your campervan conversion, with the ultimate Quirky Campers Conversion Guide.
