The Fun Suzuki Carry

Ranked #817 in Cars, #46,613 overall

Bedford Rascal / Suzuki Super Carry Vans

I am a real lover of these tiny vans made by Suzuki, and previously by Bedford (Vauxhall). For anyone out there that has one of these vans or  is thinking of buying one then this will have some useful information for you.  What is it about these small vans that people like so much? Take a look at some of the features of the Suzuki Carry, and why these vans are still so popular.

Introduction to the Bedford/ Vauxhall Rascal and Suzuki Supercarry Vans

Economical small vans

The first time I paid much attention to a Suzuki Carry was when I was quite young, and a butcher who had a small shop close to where I lived used one for transporting his pies to the local supermarket. The van always seemed to start in the mornings, whatever the weather, even when temperatures dropped to below freezing. Seeing that van week in week out performing so well for a number of years made me look at them with some admiration.

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The Rascal/Supercarry range was introduced back in April 1986, as a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. British-built, and available in both Van and Pickup derivatives, the vehicle strengths were its small size and maximum payload weight; 550kg for the Van and 575kg for the Pickup. When the Bedford name ceased to exist in June 1990, General Motors` vehicles were rebadged as Vauxhalls. U.K. production ceased in July 1993 and was resumed in Japan. Go to Australia and you`ll see them, Asia, and in many parts of Europe, where for a while, in Spain, Suzuki had a tie-in with Santana Motor S.A.

maruti_omni-.gif
In India production continues with the Maruti Omni, of which there are two family versions available in 5 seater and 8 seater. There are also a number of variants and some are used for cargo, even ambulances.

Older vehicles are fitted with a small but busy 970cc Suzuki engine of four-cylinder overhead camshaft design, mounted longitudinally and inclined to the left, with the transmission mounted at the rear of the engine. All models are rear-wheel-drive, and have either a four or five-speed manual transmission.

Throughout the range, the suspension layout is coil- over-damper struts at the front, and leaf springs with dampers at the rear.

There is a range of optional equipment, including tailgate wash/wipe, front fog lights, nudge bars and heated rear window.

The newer model is the 1.3 version which has been in production since 1999. Again its strength is in its size and shape. It`s easy to park and nippy enough across town. The engine is a 77bhp 1.3 engine which is ample for carrying light loads.

What`s so good about the rascal van or the now called Suzuki Carry? Well here are several selling points.

Firstly, at a time when fuel seems to be continually increasing then the small engine with superb fuel economy is a key point. You can easily get 45 to 50 mpg out of it if you drive sensibly, remembering you`re not driving a racing car. Actually you`ll remember that you`re not in a Formula 1 car as you will rarely have to retire with engine failure because as stated you'll have that ultra reliable Suzuki engine.

And, talking about costs, auto repairs and auto accessories never come cheap, but the parts for these vans fortunately do not cost the earth.

Another great point is the fact that this van is so easy to drive and maneuver. How often do you drive in traffic or look for somewhere to park in a big clumsy van and wish that you had something easier to handle? Well that is just the case with this little star.

And last but not least is the point that you can join the elite sooty club driving round in the modern day Dr Whos tardis. Yes you'll find it hard to believe just how much you can actually get in the back of one of these vans. Whether it`s just as a general run around vehicle, or used for carrying flowers for delivery, you will find the Suzuki Carry ideal.

One of the best places to buy a Suzuki Carry if you are contemplating getting one is through eBay. The recession did cause prices to drop, but, as no more Suzuki vans are produced in the UK real enthusiats are having to pay more now for vans in decent condition, or of course for spares. Check the bodywork out. Suzuki`s don`t suffer any more than other makes, but because they are often used for work purposes, delivering and so on, they can very easily get scraped, or dented, leading to rust problems.

In these days of serious financial difficulties most of us are interested in saving money, but take care not to buy something that you are going to have to spend a lot of money on to make it roadworthy. But, if you do buy wisely you could end up with a vehicle which will give you years of happy, and low-cost motoring.

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  • Reply
    fugeecat Jan 16, 2012 @ 9:49 pm | delete
    I've never seen one before.
  • Reply
    ols Jul 8, 2011 @ 6:02 am | delete
    I think these tiny vans would get dwarfed on American roads.
  • Reply
    JoshK47 Jul 5, 2011 @ 5:54 am | delete
    Don't reallly see these over in the states, but they seem like great vans! Well done on this lens!
  • Reply
    steveroper Jan 16, 2011 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    These are brilliant little vans. In our Kleeneze business we have a couple of people that use these vans for local multi-drop work and they can't sing their praises high enough.
  • Reply
    ols Feb 7, 2011 @ 5:25 am | delete
    Thanks Steve. Yes, these Suzukis are ideal for short trips with multiple drops.
  • Reply
    LaraineRose Jul 8, 2010 @ 4:31 am | delete
    The first car I ever owned was an Austin and my brothers used to tease me that it was held together with wire and God's love. My second car was a beautiful Vauxhall with lovely plush interior. I bought it from a friend's mom and dad. It had been stored in a garage and had not been driven for years so I thought that I had made a good deal. Not so! The rubber was all shot from sitting too long. I had nothing but trouble from that car! It was not their fault, I'm sure that they thought they were giving me a good deal. Just goes to show ... buyer beware!
  • Reply
    ols Jul 16, 2010 @ 5:04 am | delete
    Funny though how we all seem to remember the first car(s) we ever owned. Whether that's because they had more 'character' than today's models, or needed more repairs I'm not sure. Since I like nostalgia, I'll go for the 'character' option. At least in those days it was possible to do your own repairs. Nowadays cars are like mini-computers and have to be serviced or fixed at the garage by the professionals.
  • Reply
    joeyoung65 Jun 22, 2010 @ 6:04 am | delete
    Hello There,

    I have recently bought a 1987 Bedford Bambi
    The engine has is the 970cc and seems to have a blow when I remove the oil cap
    I also picked up a 1999 rascal for parts and am considering swapping the engines
    Ideally I would like to fit a diesel if possible
    There is a Daihatsu 1.3 efi van 1999 with a good engine close to me also, would it drop right in? And would it be any more economical to run as I am getting less than 30mpg at the moment.
    I m in Ireland and not so many about for parts so would grab the Daihatsu if it was my best option
    Do you know of a suitable diesel?
    Would the Daihatsu fit and be comical?
    Should I fit the good 970cc Rascal engine?
    Or should I look for a 1.3 Super Carry petrol engine?

    I intend using the Bambi every day and need it to be easy run as recession here has left me unemployed.

    If you could answer any of my queries it would help allot.

    Regards
    Joe Young.
  • Reply
    ols Jun 30, 2010 @ 6:17 pm | delete
    Joe, sorry, but I don't have the expertise to be able to answer your questions. I think the best place to ask is a car/van forum. Hope you get what you need.
  • Reply
    riverpoem Mar 18, 2010 @ 8:09 am | delete
    Nice lens
  • Reply
    clemency Mar 12, 2010 @ 10:55 am | delete
    Cool lens, will forward to my brother in Australia, 5*****
  • Reply
    newbizmau Feb 4, 2010 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    Interesting lens. That's quite a history.
  • Reply
    Feb 1, 2010 @ 9:05 am | delete
    Thanks for this great lens 5*****
  • Reply
    ZenyarisGallery Oct 9, 2009 @ 4:40 am | delete
    Very interesting lens and articles! Rated 5 Stars and Fave! Best wishes, Zenya
  • Reply
    daviddavid200 Sep 9, 2009 @ 6:45 pm | delete
    Awesome lens!
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ols

Suzuki vans seem to have been around for ever. They`re great for short distance work, and very economical.
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