Hi, newbie after some advice

[TjP]

Alright everyone, iv been stalking this sight for the last week or so trying to find some info but i thought it best to join up and have an ask. Seems like a cool little site you have here

Anyway, I cant make my mind up whether to buy an SJ or a Vitara.

Iv come across a few threads on the net about the two but they dont seem to have a lot of info and just seem to turn into a slangin match of which ones better haha

Il give you guys a bit of info and if you could give me your opinions on what would be best for me that would be great

I will have around 1k to spend

It will be used as a daily to save putting miles on my other car (roughly 25-30 a day)

It will be used most weekends and maybe some weekdays for some green laning, nothing major atm though as im a complete off roading noob

More parts available for SJ or VIT?

which is easier to mod?

also is it wise to buy one that has already had work done? or get a bog standard one and complete the work myself.

Any advice much appreciated

Tom

[turbo-tom]

welcome Tom

i would say get an SJ you can mod them pretty easier tbh

but there not as comfy as a vit , also alot of stuff of the vits like engines etc fit into sj's

[Tramp]

It depends how comfy you want to be on your daily commute. I'd be inclined to say 'get a vit' as you will be doing most miles on the road, also you said you want to do some mild off roading which a standard vit would be fine for. The SJ is more uncomfortable and is better off road as standard, its also easier to modify with more 'after market' parts available. Although there are more & more bits available for vitaras. At the end of the day its up to you,

[dan_2k_uk]

Think it all comes down to whether you can handle driving a modified SJ 30 miles a day.

If you can then get an SJ.

Buying one thats already modified is OK if you know what you are looking for and can spot bad mods from photos. Lots of people seem to list modded ones with rather poorly worded descriptions.

Dan

[TjP]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Are the SJ's really bad for daily driving then?

Whether it be a SJ or a VIT id probably only lift it 2", snorkel, wheels and some decent tyres and iv got some sparco buckets in the shed id throw in then id TRY to stop there as iv still got my other project on the go.

Dont know whether youd be interested but this is my current project which takes all my money

Corolla Tsport. about 200hp atm and im toying with the idea of SC'ing it. trying to get it all ready for track use next year.

checking ebay, gumtree and the likes it seems nigh on impossible to find a decent SJ that doesnt need a lot of work in my budget but there are a decent amount of really good VITs.

seems they both have pro's and cons.

Checking the builds on here is really making me want an SJ tbh

[watola]

welcome to the site! I love any jap vechicle so i'm loving the toyota! is it the 2.0lt engine?

[Edweird]

Standard SJs are fine as daily drivers, though you fork out in petrol for it.

Once you start modifying vehicles for off-road they usually get worse on road as a general rule of thumb.

[TjP]

welcome to the site! I love any jap vechicle so i'm loving the toyota! is it the 2.0lt engine?

Thanks mate

Its the 2zz ge engine, 1.8 litre vvtLi. Same engine they use in the lotus elise/exige. Its a real sleeper tbh, most people havnt got a clue what engines in it, they just think its some crusty old peoples corolla haha

[TjP]

Standard SJs are fine as daily drivers, though you fork out in petrol for it.

Once you start modifying vehicles for off-road they usually get worse on road as a general rule of thumb.

take it they arnt to good on fuel then?

I get about 25mpg in my current car so as long as its better than that id be happy.

Yeah thats why i wouldnt really want to heavily modify one dude, would still want to keep it half decent for a daily drive.

[donkeychomp]

Welcome to the club!

I've had 3 SJ's and am now driving a Vit.

An SJ is better than a Vitara in almost every aspect I can think of.

Better off road by a mile and on road you just have a constant grin on your face!

My last SJ was modded and even with 31" tyres on I still managed 25+ mpg.

Get an SJ...I know I'm looking for another!

Alex