4 speed auto
2.5L WL-T (Turbo Diesel)
65,506 verified miles
4WD
Pop Top roof
Third row seats
Our latest arrival is this 1996 Mazda Bongo Friendee. Launched in 1995, this van was created as not only a functional everyday family van, but a recreational van for camping with friends and family. From its slew of additional features all the way down to its powertrain and interior comforts, this van was well ahead of its time for the mid 90s! This van took adventuring your daily driver to new heights, literally!
From the title and photos, the most innovative feature was the Auto Free Top, allowing for a sleep ready space for 2 adults above the van. Inside this atrium, you’ll find vinyl walls, similar to that of a normal pop-up camper, however you can unzip this vinyl to reveal a fully screened in attic with a great view of your surroundings, and have plenty of ventilation while doing so. On the floor of the atrium, you can find a small port for routing wires, so whether you’re charging your flashlight, or doing laptop work above, you’re cables won’t be a nuisance. The lower area of the van also features 2 bench seats for your passengers that can be folded flat down into additional sleeping space. The rear seats can be folded up, and the middle bench is mounted on a slider rail, to maximize the overall cargo space in this van. Additionally, the rear passengers also get a few creature comforts, such as rear controlled climate control, foot rests for the middle bench, electronic curtains that raise up with the touch of the switches mounted at each window, and pop out windows in the back! The middle seats have also had the backs replaced with a wooden base so that when folded down, can act as a small table.
The cockpit features simple to read gauges with many buttons controlling the electronics of the car, all within reach. To the left of the steering wheel, you’ll find master controls for the electronic curtains in the rear. To the right, two switches can be found to turn on and off the fan for the rear climate control, and a switch to cycle glow plugs for cold morning starts! The pop-top control is found behind the passenger and driver seats on the roof. This button can raise and lower the roof while the parking brake is sent. To lower the roof, there is a lock release button found in the atrium that needs to be pressed before the roof can be lowered.
Equipped with Mazda’s 2.5L inline 4 turbo diesel WL-T motor, this van is very reliable and efficient, getting roughly 22mpg combined! This motor is paired with a 4 Speed Automatic transmission, and its full time 4WD drivetrain, rugged terrain should be tackled with no problem. With only 65,506 verified miles, this van is truly a gem of its kind and is really only just getting warmed up.
The exterior of this van has a boxy and angular appearance and is finished in a two tone “Chaste White” and Silver metallic. This one has all of the factory decals in relatively good shape for the age of the vehicle. Also on the exterior, you can find an appropriately sized awning, that will provide shaded outdoor space for gathering with friends or family. To the rear of the vehicle, is a convex mounted mirror to assist with parking, or reversing, giving even further vision for this van.
All in all, the Mazda Bongo Friendee is an adventure seekers dream, offering plenty of factory features that give you the option to explore in comfort and style. The pop-top camper is the perfect enhancement for an elevated outdoor experience, whether you’re just looking for a weekend getaway or a cross country road trip.
Call our sales team (269) 348 5520
Email – info@jdmsportclassics.com
Nationwide shipping and finance is available