1986 Bedford Rascal review from UK and Ireland
"If I couldn't fix it I'd buy another rascal"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Blew a coreplug on the carb at the junction of the M5 & M4 (was doing 80mph at time so my fault)
New exhaust at 70k miles. Water pump went on A14, bit of a job as the whole vans built around it, but £15 for a new one.
New clutch at 98k miles, did this at roadside & didn't need to jack her up. took an hour & half including flywheel which was damaged by a piece of detached clutch.
Flushed out heater & rerouted pipes (works brilliant when its clean)
Fuel pump replaced.
General comments?
Cheap to buy & run 50mpg & £120 insurance.
Reliable (list above is 55k miles of hardcore thrashing)
A tip for all rascal owners: there is a heater pipe running under the engine. the metal pipe is what corrodes & clogs the heater & rad. Take it off & the rubber heater hose will reach down the drivers side instead. I did that to mine, flushed the rad & heater out & she hasn't used a drop of water in 12months. The heaters brilliant now as well.
These vans go anywhere (including between car park bollards lol)
Has anyone seen them on the news? some far eastern countries use them as swat vans.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 970cc Manual |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 53000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 108000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Carlton |
| Date of Entry | 18th February, 2007 |