24 replies to this topic

[998dave]

Good afternoon chaps and chapesses.

I'm contemplating an Suzuki SJ or Vitara as a winter hack, and off-road tool/toy.

I know the Land Rovers can be more capable, but they're also more expensive and thirsty, so the Suzuki 4x4's seem the way to go.

Does anyone know much about the SJ and Vitara, which is 'better' as a machine, I want to be able to do on road driving as well, (like to work this morning), tow a light trailer, but also play on green lanes and sand pits.

I 'think' the Vitara would be more suitable, more specifically a 1.6 manual, possibly mid 90's?

Any thoughts?

Dave

[onefastmoke]

Hi, if I were you and looking for a cheap way into offroading go for the Suzuki SJ, I'm a land rover owner myself (there is some snobbery from some land rover owners) but still think the little SJ's are very capable machines, very easy to fix/maintain and modify. you normally have to go at slopes etc at full thrash to get the most from the engine but that all adds to the fun. their size and weight are a big advantage other bigger 4x4's, especially on UK green lanes. highly recommended

[onefastmoke]

also I have heard you can fit the 1.6 vitara engine in fairy straight forward

for a good forum to get info on different types of 4x4 etc check out here
difflock

[998dave]

also I have heard you can fit the 1.6 vitara engine in fairy straight forward

for a good forum to get info on different types of 4x4 etc check out here
difflock

Oooh, good forum, I'll take a good look round later, when I'm not at work.

I was hoping not to do too much work, so keeping original engine for now, the SJ413 would appear a good move.

Only thing is it's relatively low powered, and I'm not sure it's on-road characteristics are going to be that good.

I'd go Land Rover, but want to be able to use it on the road without absolutely dire fuel economy or too much cost, (Defenders or Disco's look better for these, but are more expensive).

Dave

[onefastmoke]

don't worry about the engine size, the SJ410 and the 413 are pretty much as good as each other and more than capable off road, don't forget its a really lightweight 4x4. on the road as with any 4x4 a bit more care needs to be taken due to higher centre of gravity but they do get to all speed limits just like driving a high mini really.

on the land rover side of things you could get a discovery for less than £1000 with a 200tdi engine, excellent offroad and driven carefully around 30mpg. just keep it serviced and costs will be low

[998dave]

on the land rover side of things you could get a discovery for less than £1000 with a 200tdi engine, excellent offroad and driven carefully around 30mpg. just keep it serviced and costs will be low

This is true, and seeing as I'm not too worried about how it looks this is another option...
I'll have a look around in more depth this evening!

What have you in your off road stable, (apart from a Moke?)

Dave

[nurseholliday]

SJ = good. My friend has one and it's a tank.

[onefastmoke]

I've got a 300tdi discovery with a suspension lift, snorkel etc:



and an ex-military 90 still relatively standard: to be honest I would only consider a 90/defender if you were seriously enthusiastic about land rovers as they are way overpriced when a discovery is every bit as capable, more comfortable, quieter, warmer and more powerful

[dave21478]

The SJ is generally better than the Vitara off-road, but on the road its the opposite - the SJ is pretty grim on road. If you want to tow something, the SJ isnt great either - far too light.

As for alternatives...
Discovery - as above, as capable as a defender, but much more refined and easy to live with day to day. Watch for rot and electrical problems.
Daihatsu fourtrak - Farmers favourite for some reason - a good mix on and off road and very popular for towing, although I dont know what the weight limits are.
Jeep Cherokee - Cheap as chips to buy, quite comfortable on road and pretty sturdy. Cramped in the rear and a small boot though.
Lada Niva - Dont laugh. If you can find one of these that hasnt rusted away in uK climates, you will find it as capable, (or controversially) maybe even slightly better than a landrover offroad. Crude and unrefined on the road though.

Personally, I would get a Cherokee. Outstanding value for what they are. Granted, they arent as capable off road as a discovery, but they are more than good enough for average mud plugging and green lanes. There is currently a 2.5td one for sale on Retro Rides for £600 or so iirc.

[markaboot]

i was looking into the vitara and it seemed it was a bit of a toy.
the 4x4 boys deffinatly prefer the sj.

[998dave]

lol,

Seems I now have a massive list of possibilities.

I'm not too keen on the Daihatsu or Cherokee
And nobodies mentioned the Shogun or Trooper yet, or are they nowhere near?
I've driven a Shogun about the farm, and did enjoy it, but are they any good compared to the others?

So current favourites are:

Land Rover Disco,
Suzuki SJ,
Suzuki Vitara,

[onefastmoke]

disco

just an example, this has the better 300tdi engine and hows this for value £450 per ton of car lol

[Dog]

How weird!?

Its only tonight, that I've decided to go SJ over a Def 90!
Never knew this thread had been made, but yeh, SJ for me, pure weekend toy.. salsbury plains


Oh yeh...
http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=qr8eEWyKQHM

Edited by Dog, 03 February 2009 - 09:41 PM.

[998dave]

just an example, this has the better 300tdi engine and hows this for value £450 per ton of car lol

I've had a good look round and seen several more, think the Discovery may be the way forward, as then I can use it as a toy, but it'll be capable enough to tow the horse box.

This one looks okay too: Click



What differences between the 200TDi and 300TDi?

How weird!?
Its only tonight, that I've decided to go SJ over a Def 90!
Never knew this thread had been made, but yeh, SJ for me, pure weekend toy.. salsbury plains

Only started it this afternoon, so you may easily have missed it...

[Dog]

I'd love a Disco... but I was quickly put off...
I'd also like a 110, the old man says to get a 110..

I was was advised, as I am just starting out, get a SJ, see how I like all the off-roading business, and then, upgrade as and when...