Suzuki Club UK

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

ScottieJ wrote: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.

dan_2k_uk wrote:Should get one for under 1K if you wait for the right one.