1989 Bedford Rascal 997cc petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Every one should have at least one of these!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

These Vans are a fantastic buy. They are good fun to drive and nippy round town as well as being very cheap to run.

You can fit an incredible amount in the back and park them anywhere you could fit an old mini.

Totally reliable and very useful little van.

Mine will do 70 if pushed, but is happiest at 50 for long journeys. I recommend taking your time and enjoying the ride.

If you are looking to buy one of these make sure you get a good one, look after it and it will give you good service for many years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2004

1989 Bedford Rascal 997cc from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fun, reliable, economical, load carrying classic

Faults:

Fan belt slackens easily and has been replaced a couple of times.

Heating has never worked except with heating switch and fan switch both on full. Also you have to drive a LONG way before it even starts to heat up at all.

Back brake pads needed replacing at 80,000 miles. Front pads have just been replaced at 100,000 miles (30 pounds including labour).

Handbrake cable snapped at 90,000 miles (32 pounds including labour).

Radiator bust at about 90,000 miles (I think it was 60-80 pounds for a reconditioned one including labour).

Exhaust had a hole in it (rust) again at about 90,000 miles. Cost about 25 pounds to replace the section.

Back wiper and cigarette lighter have never worked.

RUST is a problem, the wheel arches are about to fall off at the moment!

General Comments:

This van is seriously slow, but it's so reliable and I love it. OK, a few things have gone wrong, but the parts have been so inexpensive.

It's perfect for carrying small loads; I am a keyboard player. I shouldn't be saying this, but a few weeks ago I got 10 or 11 hitchers in it, and it didn't seem to do it any harm!

Last night it failed to start for the first time ever; I found this website whilst checking out other cars & vans; now after reading other Rascal comments, I think I'll try and get it fixed! I just think it needs a new carburettor; if that's the case, I'll replace the terribly rusty wheel arches, and hey presto, the phoenix will arise!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2003

19th Mar 2004, 14:26

Do you know of a good online source for parts for the Bedford rascal or Suzuki carry?

Kenneth Winter

USA.

27th Apr 2004, 14:10

Hi. I recently bought a 1989 Danbury. It's in gr8 condition, but the brakes are awful. I've bled the brakes and put new pads on. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks - Luke, 17.

1989 Bedford Rascal 970 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

A real heap. Rust, rust, rust with a bit of rust. Did I say it was noisy?

General Comments:

Just sold my MR2 Turbo and bought a Rascal because I'm moving to London and needed the cash.

So, that's 260bhp (slighty modded) to 44bhp, but the Rascal is as much fun as the MR2!

It's a heap of sh1t that I paid £100 for, but it takes all the abuse I can give!

Plus, it gives 50mpg where my Turbo gave about 12mpg!

When my 600 mile journey is done I'll give it away or throw it away; a good little sturdy thing all the same!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2003

1989 Bedford Rascal 1.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Does exactly what it says on the tin

Faults:

The exhaust has had to be changed numerous times.

General Comments:

This van has done everything I have asked of it and more.

I have used it for commercial purposes and recreational uses.

The insurance is absurdly low as are its running costs.

The versatility of this vehicle has made it a legend in its own right.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2002

28th Mar 2004, 13:42

I love my rascal van, its the best van I have ever had bit it's a bit rusty, but I can live, with that van of the year lol.