1986 Suzuki Samurai SJ410 WV Estate 1.0

Summary:

A very poor mans Discovery, but great fun and cheaper to run

Faults:

Ive just had a recon engine fitted as it would cost too much to repair. Valve stem oil seals, piston rings and a rebore were just some of the problems that needed to be addressed. The last four months it's been running on three cylinders as oil has been wetting the plugs so bad one of them wouldn't spark at all, but it has never failed to start and always got me the 25 miles to and from work without a fuss, but it drank more oil than an army of bubbles.

Last week the alternator packed up and the clutch was replaced, With the engine, the clutch cable needs replacing as does the engine mounting rubbers and one rear bump stop. There's also a whinning from the transfer case or gear box but at this sort of mileage things will be showing their age a bit.

General Comments:

As with all Jap cars spares are a rip off, the recon engine was £520 fitted, a Ford would be £300, as with the alternator, £80 fitted as oppossed to about £40 for a recon Ford, the only good point was the clutch £76 fitted as the engine was out but the trusty old Ford would still leave you with a few bob in your sky.

But the SJ's hold their money a lot better and are reliable beyond belief even when treated like a Korean dog.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2000

1991 Suzuki Samurai SJ 413 LWB JX Estate 1.3

Faults:

Fuel pump@ 60k replaced.

Rear light unit replaced.

Radiator leaks.

Wheel bearings shot @ 80k.

Leaf springs twisted.

Engine oil consumption excessive.

Exhaust manifold leaks into interior.

Exessive body rot.

Failed its MOT in almost every way.

General Comments:

A throw away jeep for a throw away society.

If all vehicles were this flimsy there would be very few old ones about.

A complete crock of ****.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th February, 2000

27th Dec 2000, 22:43

Have put 100,000 miles on an 88 Samurai (out of 130k total) with absolutely no problems, couldn't do better for the money. Most miles in New Mexico, which is half dirt roads.

Not much luxury, but not much cost, I intend to rebuild it forever!!

Larry Stewart

5th Feb 2001, 17:22

My 413 LWB is the second Suzuki I have bought. As far as value for money is concerned they are superb. Anything can be fixed with a Philips screwdriver and parts are easy to come by and plentiful. Not many 11 year old, 1.3, 93000 mile cars are still on the road. I won't have them knocked. Anyone who does can't have looked after theirs in any way.

15th May 2001, 05:05

My SJ 410 is coming up for 18 years old and has only done 60,500 miles.

It has been the best fun and value for money. It just sailed through its last MOT with not one problem. I'm sure it will carry on to serve me well in what ever I choose to through it in mud, water or sand.

Richard Talbot.

Kent.

7th Feb 2004, 02:44

I've got a Sammy (called a sierra in Australia) with 100,000 miles on it and it still go anywhere. slight oil leak that I can't be bothered fixing. had to replace bearings occasionally, but you get that when you do a lot of 4-wheeling. it's nearly at it's 20th birthday, but still going strong. the baby 1.3L engine is plenty enough to pull it (as long as there's no wind) and the baby axles are plenty strong enough for the baby engine.

Yeah it's uncomfortable, and for it's size could have better fuel consumption (I'm not saying the fuel consumption is bad, but I'd expect better from a 1.3L) but the fun-factor is well worth it.

1986 Suzuki Samurai 413 1.3 petrol

Faults:

After 116,000 miles, the EGR valve burnt a hole in itself. Fixed better than new with a bit of epoxy.

General Comments:

If you take care of this vehicle, it will last 200,000 miles.

Its got a small engine, but a big heart.

You gotta love the feel of the road; No grand-pa's here.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 1998

1990 Suzuki Samurai 413 1.3 petrol

Faults:

The hood on this one seemed to deteriorate faster than the previous one. Also, it didn't like extreme cold or rain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd August, 1997

1988 Suzuki Samurai 413 1.3 petrol

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This was my first jeep and very good it was too. Very stylish at the time but a very rough ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 1997