Mazda Bongo Blog

Difference between Ford Freda and Mazda Bongo

2010-03-05T16:25:00.002Z

Is there any difference between a Ford Freda and a Mazda Bongo?

There is absolutely no difference between the Ford Freda and the Mazda Bongo Friendee, except for the badge on the front of the vehicle and the badge on the steering wheel.

Eco-Friendly Camper Van cleaner

2009-08-04T16:44:00.004+01:00

Can you suggest a way to remove green growth from my Bongo?

Here's a suggestion... Try these concentrated dissolving sachets that come in a box of 10 x 37g sachets. One of the great benefits of these products is that there is no packaging waste.

Each sachet dissolves in water to make 5 ltrs of powerful green growth stopper for your Mazda Bongo camper van surfaces which are often prone to green growth and grime.

This Camper Van Cleaner is ideal for removing green growth from your Mazda Bongo camper van but also caravans, trailers, boats and other hard surfaces. The product is supplied as a box of 10 x 37.5gm sachets which are dissolved with water to make 5 litres of ready to use product with each sachet.

One litre of ready to use product will treat up to 5m� of surface depending on the type of surface and the level of soiling. The ready to use product should be applied to the surface simply by pouring, by brush or spray and left.

Over the next few days green growth will gradually disappear.

Click here to buy Camper Van cleaner online.

All you need is a good quality sprayer and DIYsupermarket.com do a very good quality sprayer too. Just click here to see it!

Driving in France Safety Kit

2009-07-09T09:09:00.007+01:00

I'm driving my Bongo in France this summer, what safety kit do I need?

As from last year you need to carry not only a Warning Triangle in your car but also a CE Approved High Visability Vest, Tabard or Waistcoat (High-Vis) while driving in France and failure to do so could cost you a hefty on-the-spot fine.

The High-Vis Vest must be carried inside the car and not in the boot in case you breakdown or accident in a dangerous place ? you can then get your High-Vis Vest on before getting out of the car.

The Warning Trainagle needs to be placed 50 to 150 metres behind your Bongo in case of breakdown.

You are also required to carry a First Aid Kit as well as a Fire Extinguisher in your Bongo, as every driver is required to stop and provide assistance in case of accident in accordance with the European Good Samaritan Law.

Headlamp Beam Adaptors are required to stop your Bongo headlamps dazzling oncoming motorists. These need to remain fitted day and night.

A GB Licence Plate is required as drivers are legally required to display country of registration on the rear of their vehicle by International Law. This is also applies for caravans and trailers.

A Spare Bulb Kit needs to be carried as lights must be in full working order at all times.

France Motoring Safety Kit

High Visability Vest, Tabard or Waistcoat
Warning Triangle
First Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher
GB Licence Plate
Headlamp Beam Adaptors

Bongo Fuel Consumption

2009-07-07T00:06:00.003+01:00

What sort of Fuel Consumption can I expect from my Bongo?

The most fuel efficient speed to drive most vehicles at is 56 mph and if you do this in a Bongo you can expect a little over 30mpg. Realistically expect to average about 25 mpg and a little less on an urban cycle.

Check out the Bongo Fuel Guide for more information.

Differences between Mazda Bongo and Ford Freda

2009-07-03T08:38:00.003+01:00

What is the difference between a Mazda Bongo and a Ford Freda?

There is absolutely no difference between a Mazda Bongo and a Ford Freda apart from the name and badge.

Mazda rebadged 8-seater Mazda Bongo Friendee MPV witha Ford badge and named it the Ford Freda. The Ford Motor Company own a stake in Mazda and this kind of excercise got their name out in the Japanese market.

Mazda Bongo Cambelt

2009-06-05T14:54:00.005+01:00

How often should I change my Mazda Bongo or Ford Freda Cambelt?

Ideally it should be changed every or 60,000 miles or 100,000 kilometers.

In terms of cost, if you buy the cambelt kit including the cambelt, tensioner and spring on eBay it should be about �50 with the labour cost being in the region of �100-�150 labour.

The kit we saw was for a Mazda Bongo and Ford Freda Cambelt Kit 1995 onwards for 2.5 Turbo Diesel.

Changing Oil

2007-10-03T22:36:00.001+01:00

How often should I change the oil in my Bongo?

I've heard that you need to keep an eye on oil in a Bongo. How often does it need changing and what oil should I use?
Kevin M, Brixham

It is important to keep a schedule of regular oil changes at 3,000 miles. You need 6 litres of 10w/30 oil for the Bongo according to Mazda and this oil grade is easy to get hold of.

Place a bowl under the sump plug and undo it using a 19mm socket. Drain the oil into the bowl and then into the empty oil container when you have refilled the Bongo.

Change the copper washer on the sump plug every oil change and the oil filter every other oil change.

The oil cap is under the passenger seat for refilling the oil. Check levels on the dip stick to ensure you have filled it to the correct level.

Mazda Bongo Cam Belt

2007-09-17T17:47:00.000+01:00

How often should a Mazda Bongo cam belt be changed?
I've bought a Bongo with 55,000 km on the clock. I bought my Mazda Bongo on eBay from a private dealer, but I've seen that other dealers offer a new cam belt as standard. Should I change the cam belt now?
Andy K, Huddersfield.
It should be changed every 100,000kms or 62,000 miles, so technically you are okay for the moment. One thing to be aware of is that they perish with age, so for peace of mind you should change it.

In terms of cost, we'd recommend buying the cam belt (camshaft timing belt) from eBay. We've seen them on eBay from as low as �10 including postage and packing?
If you buy the cam belt yourself the labour should be �100-�150.

Mazda Bongo Handbook

2007-09-14T08:12:00.000+01:00

Mazda Bongo Handbook
I bought my Bongo last month and it didn't come with a handbook. I'm assuming if it did, it would have been in Japanese, since it was a grey Japanese import. Is there an English version available, and if so, where can I get it from?

Yes there is. It has been translated by a New Zealand company and is available from Amazon. Click here for more information about the Bongo Handbook.

Open for questions

2007-07-29T22:08:00.000+01:00

Ask a Question
We've set this blog up to enable you to ask any questions about the Mazda Bongo Friendee or Ford Freda.
You may want to ask questions about buying a Bongo, selling one or repairing one.
We'll do our best to get you the answers so fire away!