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Wifes first car

 
 
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bedfordCF
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Joined: 30 Mar 2017
Odometer: 3




PostPosted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 9:25 am    Post subject: Wifes first car Reply with quote

Hi, just registered as I need to do some learning!

Ive been messing with old cars for 20 odd years but now my wife is about to pass her test she wants a little 4x4, I know nothing yet about these!

She REALLY wants an SJ. But the little I do know suggests this may not be an ideal first and only vehicle. She will no doubt want to visit family which are 180miles away and thats not really sj territory right?

She will be doing very little off roading at first but fields and tracks may well be in her future so it will see a little, but mainly its just her hack to get to work and take the dogs out.

From what ive read, she would be better off with an early vitara or sportrak right?

First car so 1.6 max, small, SQUARE, available not ruined for about 1k.


So, assuming im right in the little I have found out, I could really do with pointers on what they are like to maintain (difficulty, cost and availability) and what to look for when buying.

Im pretty savvy, no vehicle ive ever owned had had anyone other than me work on it. I just have no experience in 4x4 (although ive also always thought modded SJ are great)

Im trying to find one as a surprise for when she has passed. She'll be a bit disappointed if its not an SJ but am I right in trying to find something else so she can actually go places?

Thanks.
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Nightbar
Difflock Royalty


Joined: 30 Sep 2003
Odometer: 20799
Location: In a state of anticipation...


1999 Land Rover Defender

PostPosted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 9:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome and that's a good question!

To be honest I don't know the answer as I've been knocking around in 90s for decades and have just put up with the 'experience' on long hauls. I'd pop the question into the Suzuki section on here as well to target their owners thoughts as they're are a good bunch in there.

Sounds to me like Mrs BedfordCF really wants an SJ (has she driven one?) and perhaps that's the way to go then! They are fun, cheap to maintain and as long as you know what you're letting yourself into (poo traps will no doubt will be explained when looking for/owning one) then why not.

Best of luck mate!

(by the way - when Mrs Nightbar was growing up in the good old days her family had a CF and used it to travel around everywhere...a couple of cushions on the seat/floor in the back helped turn it into a mobile dormabile so the kids could sleep during the journeys up and down the UK and round Europe. Mind you I did the same in my folk's VW campervan - can't do that now)

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bedfordCF
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Joined: 30 Mar 2017
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 10:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

She hasnt passed her test yet, only thing she has driven is one of those silly citroens with the headboard stapled to the doors.

Ive not driven an SJ either though. I have been warned of stories about wayward on road handling and sketchy 50mph top speeds.
Not things that worry me too much but not sure if its good first car territory.

Ill see if I can drive one and find out the reality of the situation.
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Nightbar
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Joined: 30 Sep 2003
Odometer: 20799
Location: In a state of anticipation...


1999 Land Rover Defender

PostPosted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 10:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds like a plan Cool
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xamtex
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Joined: 02 Dec 2003
Odometer: 11903
Location: nuneaton



PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 2:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

std sj is an easy motor to work on for a diy man. jap version is better than the more common spanish ones.
on road manners are a bit agricultural with the sometimes hard leaf springs,this can be improved with different springs which will improve both on and offroad ride.
a set of good offroad tyres on a std sj will see it going places you would not believe.
the best performance mod i ever had was fitting a full janspeed exhaust system to a std sj,the difference of that alone was amazing.

the vitara is a more comfy ride for long distances but nowhere near as capable offroad in my opinion.
neither will provide great fuel economy im afraid.

i currently have 1 of each,well the vit is a gv 1.6,the sj is a lwb modified just a little.

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cynic-al
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 14 Nov 2006
Odometer: 6062
Location: scunthorpe


1989 Suzuki SJ

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 4:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I loved my sj but they're not a nice road car by today's standard. Under powered, no power steering, not exactly quiet etc etc and not cheap either. I would look at Jimmy, vitara, freelancer, grand vitara, or even things like 4x4 panda, scenic, terios etc
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bedfordCF
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Joined: 30 Mar 2017
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 8:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the other options, all out though due to size, cost, or her not liking them.
Vitara is an option but on price/looks it seems the sportrak would be the second choice after SJ.
Any inherent problems with them (other than rot)?

Are parts available and ok priced for these things?
My bedford is a nightmare to get bits for.
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cynic-al
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 14 Nov 2006
Odometer: 6062
Location: scunthorpe


1989 Suzuki SJ

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 12:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Was the sportrak on leafs? If so the ride might be like an SJ. Otherwise I don't think they're any worse than anything else. I'm sure Suzuki would be easier to get parts for.
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