Faults:

Engine rebuild at 172,000 miles.

Three replacement clutches.

Tyres and exhaust systems as required.

Two replacement soft tops and seats recovered at 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

Without doubt the most reliable vehicle I have owned, or am ever likely to own.

Bought the car new in 1984, and apart from general servicing, it has proved 100% reliable, never once leaving me stranded.

The damn thing is noisy, drives like a tractor, has a steering wheel the size of a city bus, and rides very rough.

The Suzuki has no manners, and bounces all over the place. But it's the best fun you are going to get on four wheels this side of a Hummer.

Engine rebuild at 172,000 only required after a compression ring snapped in no. 2 cylinder.

Rust isn't a major problem, especially out here in Cyprus where the Suzuki now lives.

Faults:

My SJ was 8 years old when I bought it, and I had no real problems in the two years I had it.

The battery died, which I would consider a normal expense as batteries generally only last 2-3 years.

The clutch started slipping a little, but I sold it before it was bad enough to bother doing anything about it.

General Comments:

I loved this car!! Yes it bounced a lot, yes it had a top speed of 70 mph, but it had a very short wheelbase, and a 1 litre engine. The more important aspect of this car is that it's so much fun!! You may take longer to get there than anyone else, but you'll be smiling when you arrive.

It was great for city driving, small and easy to park, and high enough to see over most of the cars in front of you in traffic. Also it was very nippy, and would accelerate away from the traffic lights really quickly.

I also did a few long trips in it, one of which involved towing a boat 200 miles, which although it slowed me down to 60mph, that's the speed limit anyway when towing in the UK! As for the bouncy ride, well you get used to it!

My opinion is that you need to accept this car for what it is, it's not a sports car, hot hatchback, or luxury saloon. It's a small and compact, economical 4x4 (which actually does very well off road, unlike many other SUV's). So don't expect high speeds, or a smooth ride, and you won't be disappointed.

The only reason I sold my SJ was to get a motorbike!!

Faults:

Well I cursed this thing when I got it.

20 mph uphill-are they joking?!

Little old ladies on electic invalid scooters were overtaking me. and they were towing trailers...

Then I took it to the garage and found it was only firing on 3!!laugh? I could have cried.

Now I take hills in top gear and leave invalid scooters in my dust. I'm still having trouble with enthusiastic cyclists, however..

General Comments:

Lots of reviews about how this thing won't do 80 on motorways/ highways.

Give Me a Break!

That isn't what it is for!!!

Its fun. It will put a smile on your face. You really CAN take it shopping and then off road and not be worried about bending something-there isn't anything to damage!basic basic basic. I saw a young couple this evening at a gas (filling) station and they were both smiling-they were in a van version of the SJ. Why are there so many miserable people £100,000 vehicles? By a 410. Have a laugh. Its'cheaper than a psychotherapist. But hey guys-if you do motorways, don't use an SJ...