Do we like these? (Vanshite)

[warren t claim]

 

Missed out on a Suzuki version for £200 late last year and I've seen another local. They're Ubercheap to insure and are big enough to be usefull without being to big for neighbour friendly on street parking.

 

I understand that they'll be a very grim experience on my 70 mile daily commute and that they probably have a minus EuroNcap rating but is there anything else to look out for?

 

I'm thinking HGF and cambelt replacment issues.

[eddyramrod]

I like vans as a matter of course, so yeah, why not? As you say, it would be miserable for a big commute, but for knocking around town, I defy you to do better.

[Split_Pin]

I do

 

Anything transport that involves the words 'grim' and' '70 miles' will certainly earn you some Autoshite points too!

[catsinthewelder]

I drive a HiJet pickup most days, the engine access doesn't seem too bad with the cab seats lifting up to reveal the front of the engine and an access panel on the load bay which unbolts for access further back, I think Rascals are similar. They're great fun round town with taxi beating turning circle and low gearing but can get a little tiresome long distance. A handy feature is that the seat is fixed which means that I don't have to move it back each time I get in as the guy that I share it with is about a foot shorter than me.

[bangers & mash]

I wanted to buy one last spring but only because it had been painted up as an A-team van.

Before you all slate me, it would have been used for transport at the the wedding of my friend, Mr T.

I wasn't looking forward to the drive back from middle englandshire but it went for about £1300 on ebay which was about three times what I was prepared to pay.

 

Now you mention it, I think I remember it on ebay.

 

 

It featured in this Goldie Lookin' Chain video.

 

[mnde]

My next door neighbour uses a blue one of these as his daily - presumably for work. It's garaged over night (so the mrs can park her car on the drive). I like them.

 

Mark.

[MrRegieRitmo]

Go for a Honda Acty, early HiJet or Super Carry for bonus points! (if you can find any)

[CreepingJesus]

I like 'em! The Suzuki/Bedford ones are ok, as long as you don't expect to carry much of a load. A few tools and spares shouldn't bother it. In fact, I'd say it would be a great choice for the shite-ist who has regular breakdowns, or has mates who do. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd do some moderate A-frame duties too: the 1.3 engine is reasonably torquey.

The Daihatsu HiJets, I can vouch, are a right little surprise package. That's the one I'd have meself. GT4's tempted me into thoughts of a Daihatsu Midget...which is just wrong.

+1 to an original 2-cylinder Honda TN Acty for serious shite-points.

[fordperv]

A mate has got one of these i love it

[kinkersaab]

GR8 for endo's! my choice however would be a Subaru sumo, great 3 cyl buzz, rear engine and rear drive + optional 4x4 and a square front number plate.

[Negative Creep]

A handy feature is that the seat is fixed which means that I don't have to move it back each time I get in as the guy that I share it with is about a foot shorter than me.

 

 

Surely that's a lack of a feature?

[barefoot]

I don't know how to embed a you tube clip, but this is worth a look on the basis that its only 20 seconds and Rascals are GR1 for JumpN

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/thebarefoot ... O-pfLvI5hw

[wuvvum]

I think these were all 1-litre, weren't they? Suzuki SJ410 / SA310 engine. Although I shouldn't imagine a 1.3 being too hard to shoehorn in.

 

They are quite amusing to drive but they do rot, especially round the front arches. They also have a tendency to be thrashed (low gearing + no rev limiter) so look out for blue smoke. Oh, and don't try a Scandinavian flick in one. Otherwise there's not a lot wrong with them, and if you can find a decent one for £300 I'd say nab it - prices seem to be on the up for these at the mo.

 

Please don't buy an Acty and attempt to do 70 miles a day in it. You'll end up hating it, which will be a shame as they're good fun for local use.

[catsinthewelder]

The later, slightly bigger Super Carry's have the same 1.3 as the Swift but with far lower gearing. A previous employer had a brand new one and it was certainly quick off the lights

 

HiJets seem quite happy to potter round town at 30 in fifth so flat out at 85 they must be doing a worrying RPM. I try to stay below 50 for this reason