24 replies to this topic

[998dave]

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...

Why put off the Disco?
The 90's and 110's are more expensive, whereas Disco's appear quite cheap to find.

Thing with SJ's is they are very capable off road, but I'd also like the ability to do long runs to work, and the ability to tow a horse box or car transporter, and I'm not sure a 1.3 SJ would have enough torque or weight to do so safely.

Though SJ's and Vitara's are quite cheap, and probably less expensive on the old insurance...

I've a few weeks yet, so will see what's about and reasonably priced nearer the time.

[Dog]

I was put off the Disco, after someone told me they are the "worse" for rotting...
Parts aren't as cheap, but yet, discos do have more capabilities off road - which, is primerally, what I'd be doing.

I am not after a towing truck... nor a long distence runner, not even a daily... I have an Astra for all that.
But I do want something that'll do motorways well enough, so I can travel with it, to do other lanes meets etc...


The disco would be cool, as they are refined version of a 110 to be honest... looking at pics anyways.
But its like the old man said, if I got a SJ, they're cheap... so get one, see how I find the off-roading lark, if I like it, upgrade to something more, later...

[998dave]

Been looking at insurance too, cheapest here:

Disco circa £750
Vitara circa £450
SJ413 circa £380

With it being half the price on the SJ I think that may be a deciding factor, I can always fix the Shogun that sits at the farm for other uses. Will now depend which is cheapest to get together as a capable offroader.

Swayed by the Vitara as it should have slightly better on-road characteristics.

Dave

[B-shaw]

SJ's and vitaras are monsters off-road to be honest, Driven correctly with the right kit they can beat most kitted up 90/110's off-road.

I'm looking at getting a disco as if kitted up correctly they are just as good as a defender and are LOADS cheaper.
Gas conversion on them saves £££'s as well on the motorway n whatnot.

Thing that made me sway to the Disco is that I cant see a SJ towing if I ever needed to.
But purely for a toy the SJ is what you want. cheap n cheerful.

[998dave]

Sj or Vitara it is...

Now got to find a cheap one, so will be picking up the Yellow advertiser, there's normally a couple around.

Anyone know where else I could look, apart from obv. ebay and autotrader...

Dave

[Dog]

SJ it is for me!
Loads on Ebay...

Just finding local clubs is hard

[Pie]

My Mate Keefys old 'izuzuzuki SJ'

Was fitted with an Izuzu Trooper diesel engine. Went like stink

(notice the water in the lights )




Theres also some videos on youtube, just search 'keefiemk1' theres some of it in the upton floods, and also at Cheltenham Quarry.
SJ's can sometimes put defenders and disc's to shame. I know Keefy's had to pull a few disco's out of the lanes when he had the SJ.
Unfortunately he sold it as he needed to get his mk1 golf back on the road.

As Lemming about SJ's he had one for a while.

Dog, if you want to know about off roading lubs around hereford/worcs let me know and i shall get info for you.

Edited by miniman-pie, 04 February 2009 - 01:41 PM.

[Dog]

Yes please Pie, that'd be grand... couldn't find much info online...

[dave21478]

.... and the ability to tow a horse box or car transporter, and I'm not sure a 1.3 SJ would have enough torque or weight to do so safely....

Absolutely not.
I dont have the figures to hand, but from memory, max tow weight for a vitara is under 1400kgs. Some of the much newer 2000 onwards grand vitaras will tow up to 2 tons, but I dont think thats what you are looking at?
I would be surprised if an SJ is rated to tow much more than a ton, so unless you have a skinny shetland pony and a very small horse box, its a non-starter.

[998dave]

.... and the ability to tow a horse box or car transporter, and I'm not sure a 1.3 SJ would have enough torque or weight to do so safely....

Absolutely not.
I dont have the figures to hand, but from memory, max tow weight for a vitara is under 1400kgs. Some of the much newer 2000 onwards grand vitaras will tow up to 2 tons, but I dont think thats what you are looking at?
I would be surprised if an SJ is rated to tow much more than a ton, so unless you have a skinny shetland pony and a very small horse box, its a non-starter.

This is true, but it's not totally necessary, especialy considering the cost of insurance on the bigger 4x4's.

I'll stick with the C5 for towing, and maybe repair the Shogun in the spring, (neither is mine, but can borrow).

Dave