Faults:

Basically I bought this car rebuilt that was my first mistake. But the engine was untouched. So I though it will last for ever. During the time I owned I spend 6 to 7 thousand in often visits to the shop. I most say that the problems that I encounter were more related with the fact that was rebuilt which I highly recommend everyone no to buy.

At 35000 I had to change the part of the catalyzed I am talking about the thing that goes in the muffler. So every year I had to spend around 1200 bucks for parts and maintenance besides the regular oil change (that is not considered in my numbers). Parts for this car are very expensive and hard to find. But remember that I am in Alaska maybe there is a reason why.

General Comments:

I like my Suzuki, but was a scary car to drive when I was in the highway and wind was strong. Not a great stability. Overall since the day I bought it I had 300 miles per tank no problem, in the winter with the 4x4 was around 200, 230 miles. So was cheap on gas until at 75,000miles the engine broke. The lower crane chap polie (if this make any sense to you, I not sure how to spell of name this parts) could not kept it tie and the piece that connects broke a teeth and started causing the mayor problem. $600 cost me to find out that I need like $2400 to fix it. And that was it.

I am buying another car that is not Suzuki.

Faults:

Repaired timing gear twice and the third time it slipped the motor had to be replaced.

General Comments:

The Sidekick handles great.

4x4 works well.

It rides a little rough, but it's not a car.

Problems keep occurring with the timing gear.

Faults:

Battery cracked due to a major front collision.

Battery terminals were also replaced.

General Comments:

Before I bought this little truck, I was a bit skeptical since I have heard one too many stories about sidekicks prone to rolling over. This however after driving the vehicle for over a year is no longer a concern. I realized that since it has a body similar to that of a S.U.V. one has to drive it according to it's dimensions. As long as you don't do 90km/h off of a yield you should be fine. As I became accustomed to the vehicle I found myself pushing it to the limits at every destination I took it to. In traffic the sidekick is small and very easy to maneuver. It is quick when taking into consideration the vehicle weighs 3,307 lbs and is being pushed by only a 1.6L engine. Off-road the sidekick can go quite aways with decent tires, my 4x4 has manual locking hubs, however automatic locking hubs are also available. The vehicle sits 4 adults with plenty of head room. The front seats are bucket seats while the rear is a bench. The truck is durable and overall I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wishes to sport a 4x4 that won't cost you an arm and a leg to purchase. Yet will always be there for you when you need it. These Suzuki's also come in convertible which is an excellent option come summer.

Faults:

I have had 2 major things go wrong with the car. The first one was due to my own lack of knowledge of the vehicle.

At 145,000km the timing belt went and resulted in the motor being replaced. Unlike cars I've owned in the past, the loss of a timing belt in the Suzuki will cause major damage to the engine. Live and learn...

At 420,000km the heater hose blew causing the engine to overheat. The engine hasn't been the same ever since. Many components have been replaced such as the water pump, thermostat, plugs and wires in an attempt to rectify the poor running engine. It does run more smoother now, but alas I think it's days are numbered, but at 420,000km I can't really complain.

General Comments:

The main reason I purchased this vehicle is for the 4X4. It has got me home many times in adverse winter conditions.

Not a very comfortable car, but it is simple and enjoyable.

Gotta love the soft top.