Looking to buy a Suzuki SJ

[turbo-tom]

I disagree ollie I've drifted mine in fields loads of times

I think i disagree aswell ive drifted/power slide min loads of time and its been fine.

Also id listen to scott aswell as it has some very good points

[The Bird Man]

I disagree ollie I've drifted mine in fields loads of times

Actually Dazerade you'll find the 970cc engine is just as economical if not more than the 1.3 models on road and insurance companies will sting a 19 yr old with a 1.6 converted one.

At your age I would avoid buying a modified one for insurance reasons, they like to add a huge premium for modified SJs for people under 25, plus if you buy one un-modified you don't have to worry about the hack jobs some people do to them as well. A standard SJ with just some good tyres is still very capable.

Search everywhere for rust when buying one and take a jack so you can lift each wheel and check for play, noisy bearings and sticking brakes. check all the prop shaft UJs for excessive play and the diff pinion flanges for play and oil leaks.

I would advise avoiding one with lift shackles or swapping back to standard length shackles if you buy one with them fitted, they really do more harm than good both on an offroad. Also I would never buy one that has an SPOA conversion, 90% of them have been done badly and that will also do more harm than good, if it's done we its a good mod but only if its don't properly. I.e. the caster angle kept correct, a proper hi-steer set up and NOT a Z-link, the rear diff angle is NOT titled up unless combined with a double Cardon/CV rear propshaft and they have either fitted uprated rear springs or an anti-wrap bar to stop axle wrap under acceleration.

Also go for a 5speed model if you do a lot of road miles, the 4 speed 410s do sit at high revs above 45mph

Don't forget to look for rust, be fussy and don't rush out and buy the first one you see, it's worth taking your time and finding a good one. If you end up looking at one and the guy trying to sell it is all like "it's a beast offroad and never gets stuck" don't listen to him and I'd probably walk away, likewise with 90% of the eBay adds saying "offroad monster" with bad English and grammar, most likely the vehicle has poorly done modifications etc. so many people mod these SJs who don't really know what they are doing its almost scary. If you ever want a second opinion on a vehicle you look at then feel free to take loads of pics and post them up on the forum for a second opinion, oh and did I say to try to avoid buying a modified one

Do plenty of reading around the forum, you'll soon learn what to look out for.

Wow, thanks pal. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply and giving me a ton of valuable information Yeah I'll take you up on that offer when I find one if that's ok, always good to get a second opinion. Right the hunt is on, haha ! What sort of prices should I be looking at to pay for one similar to your description. A standard one without any modifications and with 1.3 engine that's in good condition without too much rust. I know one like this could prove difficult to find but as you said, don't to rush into buying one and it'll be worth the wait in the end Cheers

[dan_2k_uk]

Should get one for under 1K if you wait for the right one.

[The Bird Man]

Should get one for under 1K if you wait for the right one.

That's good then as that's pretty much around my budget

[Lachlo]

I have to butt in here. Scottie,, what a great bit of advice. You are on my 'need to buy him a beer' list.

[The Bird Man]

^^ I second that !! So has anyone been on the motorway with one beofre ?

[suzukisteve]

as it goes scottie you could probably write a complete guide to the sj lol

as for driving on the motorway, I can only comment on the standard ish 410. its not as crazy as I first first thought it would be. just take it squeezy and its all good!

steve

[Darrell]

I've driven on the motorway lots of times.
It seems dead slow with most flying past you, so I normally sit at about 60 and just overtake the lorries now and again.
It's OK though, just a bit boring.
If I'm going down hill I may even put it in fifth gear and do 70
Tried 80 but it scary and feels like the axles are going to come off

Have fun

[dan_2k_uk]

Motorways are fun.

[OllieSJ]

in my 1.0 my dad cruises in it at about 55 anything about becomes noisy and bouncy