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The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Japanese Camper Vans


cainhead

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Hello,

 

Looking for a bit of advice on buying a Japanese camper van. Basically my girlfriend car was driven into and car written off. She is desperate for a little van she can camp/sleep in as she works with a friend at events/festivals. I thought Japanese as she doesn't need anything like a VW Transporter size as its also just to get back and forward to her normal job (also to expensive). I was thinking Mazda Bongo Friendly or similar, maybe even Suzuki carry camper. Anyone know a good dealer of imported vans like the Mazda and want to give me some advice on what to look for etc.

 

Many thanks in advance for any help.

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I would personally avoid a Mazda Bongo, they have a tendancy to Rot from what i have been told.

 

Nissan Cube would be a good shout, the seats can fold flat, so plenty of space and arent too badly priced.

 

We recently sold ours for the bigger Honda Stepwgn. All comes down to budget though I guess!

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Will check out the cube as that would be a lot easier to use day to day. I only liked the Bongo as it seems to tick every box but I wondered about rust etc. Any obvious signs that you know of in The bongos

 

 

I would personally avoid a Mazda Bongo, they have a tendancy to Rot from what i have been told.

 

Nissan Cube would be a good shout, the seats can fold flat, so plenty of space and arent too badly priced.

 

We recently sold ours for the bigger Honda Stepwgn. All comes down to budget though I guess!

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The only issue is after 2003 is all these vans are largish Petrol engines mostly 3.0/3.5 v6s so thirsty!

The elgrands are very nice though I also looked at a Honda camper van with a hi roof but 3.5 v6!

 

Yep, the E50 up until 2003 came with a variety of engines as well as smaller than 3.5 although the E51 (as above) came with 2.5 and 3.5 litre engines (although the 2.5 is a bit underpowered). The 3.5 V6 is a touch thirsty and 21mpg is about normal but that's even if you drive like Abz at Santa Pod or Jamie P going to the shops! But for toys, comfort, fun and coolness they are the dogs. Prices are from £5k upwards depending on spec, etc, but try getting an equivalent VW for that money!!

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