Suzuki SJ Estate SJ 413 Samurai 3d (1990/G) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Old now but cheapish to buy, very durable parts. Don't pay over the odds. Newer post 1991 are spanish built and rot far to easy, older Japanese are far stronger.
Costs
Fuel is a big problem at only 25-30mpg, a broken transfer box or gear box will kill you, everything else is dead cheap and easy to install yourself. You dont even need to jack it up most times.
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On the road
Driving
A total laugh, yet in 2wd is well balanced and you can power slide, you need to have strong arms though, yet there is no grip really. 4wd huge boost in snow.
Performance
In a flat sprint it can go as fast as any little engined car, but it will deafen you for your troubles. Braking is good, but don"t skimp on cheap tyres, decent ones make a world of difference.
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Living with it
Reliability
Carb blocked up with cheap fuel, but has never broken down in 150,000miles, still on original engine parts. Engine breathers block with thin oil, stick to 10w-40 or 15w-40. Must change all oils regularly.
Image
I loved the height, soft tops are cool, but mine was red and a hard top, so I got the nickname Postman Pat, I got the last laugh when it flooded, silly little hatchbacks drowned. He he. My fave car!!
Comfort
Forget the rear seats they are a joke, but the front is very upright and surprisingly good.
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Security and Service
Security
Get a disk-lok for peace of mind, yet mine never recieved any unwanted attetion, doors aren't worth locking.
Service
Parts are far too expensive from main dealer, but no where else sells them. Always gave advice.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
100% reliability in 150,000 miles. Transfer box can be a worry.
Other
Just regular oil changes with flush oil before the change is a must, fit a Vitara bullbar.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes