1991 Bedford Rascal 970cc

Summary:

The Mystery Machine / The Scooby Van

Faults:

I have had my van for roughly 5 months and the only problems I have had with it, are excessive tire wear and starting difficulties during damp or rainy days. It really doesn't like starting will cough and splatter and give-up on me. I just replaced the rotary arm and distributor cap today. This was cheap to do with a cost of £6.00 all on all, and free from labor as I am a second year mechanic, and also 2 new front tires as they gradually became bald.

General Comments:

My Bedford Rascal has been painted to the design of "The Mystery Machine" out of the cartoon scooby doo. It has had new front seats and trim. Its got laminate flooring all in the back and a couch which has been custom-made to fold-out in to a double bed. It has also got 2 batteries on-board, 1 just for starting the van and the other for all my electrical stuff. I have put a T. V and full neons on and inside my little van. I have also kitted it out with a Sony head-unit and RM Audio sit-on-top speakers, not the best make, but sound great and were as cheap as chips and could be fitted to the roof for maximum floor space. It is perfect for chilling out with my mates and my girlfriend. The only downfalls with this van are the lack of seats in the back, not very useful when you need to pick-up more than 1 person. And, also the starting problems...but, hopefully I have cured my frustrating problem (touch wood)!!!

All in all a great van and more than fun to drive!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2004

17th Apr 2005, 03:53

Hi Nic, since your comment I have actually had to sell my van as it was proving to be too unreliable. as to your suggestions about putting seats out of a car in the back of your van could prove to be a challenge. this is because most of the seats out of the back of cars tend to fold down into the rear foot well, this is ussually because the fuel tank is situated under the back seats. (this is not always the case). when placing rear seats in your van you will almost certainly have to have it checked out by DVS or some other motoring safety authority. this could also make you fail ur MOT in the UK, as it is a possible danger to the passengers.

23rd Sep 2005, 16:25

Nic - just stumbled across your comment, probably about five months too late, but if you're still intending to run a van on electricity, try here: http://www.solarvan.co.uk/

Regards,

Wayne.

Folkestone, September 2005.

6th Aug 2006, 10:47

Bedfordrascal.com is the site to visit.

The site deals with all versions of Rascal vans and parts.

Glyn Scothern, Kirkby, Notts.

23rd May 2010, 15:24

Hi, I am interested in buying a Rascal Romahome, but I have one worry. If you are sitting on top of the engine, does it not get very hot in the summer? I ask this because the man trying to sell me his said he could not stand the heat in the cabin.

7th Jun 2010, 22:44

I have had a Rascal Romahome for 2 years.

Best thing I ever did. Has been 100% reliable, 37mpg, and I can sleep in comfort at the end of the day and almost make the morning tea from bed. Had so many weekends away I lost count.

I have certainly never found the engine got too hot, and if the cabin does get a bit warm, the vents work a treat, and there are always the windows.

3rd Jan 2018, 01:40

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out.

1989 Bedford Rascal 1.1

Summary:

Great little van

Faults:

Horn not working at 60,000.

General Comments:

Nice cheap van for small business. Never failed to start. But beware. Don't pull out on anyone coming at you with speed as the acceleration is terrible & the guy behind you will not be happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th September, 2004

18th Feb 2007, 19:49

Sounds like yours needs a tuneup. My rascal flies off the mark even when its full of tools. Tops out at 85mph, but that's plenty scary for a rascal.