Hi. New on here.

I currently own a lovely Mazda Bongo but I'd like to swap it for something that's a similar size but newer, faster and more economical. So I'm considering a post 2010 Doblo Maxi XL.

Almost everyone is telling me NO! Don't buy a FIAT! Fix It Again Tomorrow!

So what is the truth? I drive a 2002 Ford Focus everyday and it's done 196,000 miles and it's excellent and I love it. So I'm considering a Ford Transit Connect Mk 1 H2L2. I'd go for the Connect without hesitation if it was a bit bigger. But the Doblo Maxi XL is bigger than the Connect, Bongo sized, so I'm tempted.

So, should replace my Bongo with a Doblo? Will a Doblo make it to 200,000 miles and more? Will I regret not going for the Transit Connect? Will the Doblo need fixing every day? Will I be swearing at it constantly and spending a fortune keeping it on the road? Or will I have a fantastic van that makes me happy beyond my wildest dreams?

I'd very much appreciate your honest responses. Please don't just say the Doblo is wonderful because I'd like to hear all sides of the story. Any ex-Bongo or Connect owners?

Thanks in anticipation.

Welcome to the forum

As a person who has never owned any of the above vehicles, given the choice I'd take the Bongo. Not because of the Fix it Again Tomorrow rubbish, but simply because it's just so much cooler!

My mum has a bongo parked on her drive.

Bought last summer.. most of the miles have been taking it back to the specialist it was purchased from.. for issues

They are OLD and use fuel accordingly..

They have already replaced it with a Sprinter due to fuel costs.


I am astounded you think any Doblo is that big though..

The bongo is supposedly an 8 seater.. not seen a Doblo past 6 seat.

Ok.

The Doblo is Turkish built.. has a proven.. to a good standard.. engine and g.box.
All your utility companies have fleets of these with varying badges on the grille.

But do have typical corner cutting issues.

FIAT like to fit suspension bearings 'dry'

Uk climate likes 'greased'

Just look in the punto section about strut top bearings..

People do report dashboard fan issues too.. but of course people join forums to get things fixed

Choice is yours.. the camCHAIN on the doblo will want doing at least once in 200k. The clutch and g.box SHOULD just last.

Dumb things like door mechs seem to be a recurring theme though.. (apparently brought on by owner abuse..?)

Charlie

We tried a Bongo and ultimately ended up buying a Toyota Alphard. It's a 24v 3lt V6, but we've had an LPG kit added so the real world running cost is equivalent to a 40mpg diesel.

Connects can rust rampantly and the 1.6 diesel is Peugeot / Citroen sourced and comes with a whole load of reliability issues.

Doblos are a bit fugly, so I wouldn't want one of those.

So, in summary, buy an Alphard and add LPG.

Oh yes.. youve not said what engine..

I was thinking 1.3 mj

But if its REALLY that BIG..

It would want the 1.6 mj.. belt driven I believe