1993 Suzuki Sierra JX review from Australia and New Zealand

Very little.

I bought this jeep privately and had a knowledgeable mechanic check it over. He identified some scale rust, particularly above the battery, and a small oil leak on the rear main seal.

Two years and about 12,000 km later, the small oil leak remains (no big deal) but despite being totally non-technical, I have surprised myself (and my wife) by actually enjoying the process of getting and staying on top of the rust.

The simplicity of this car also gave me the confidence to diagnose and fix elementary electrical problems, like replacing leads, fusible link and the battery.

On the down side, Suzuki Sierra spares are had to come by and expensive. For example, I searched nation-wide this year for a replacement driver's seat and after several months found one just down the road for $110. There again, I replaced it myself...

I am about to add extractors and a 2" exhaust for more power (Suzuki Viagra?)

A new soft-top so far this year, followed by larger tires and a slight suspension lift (Suzuki nip'n'tuck) later will add to the sex appeal of my aging, but still sprightly jeep.

What is it about these jeeps? They are noisy, rattly, jarring underpowered buzz-boxes on road and off, but I simply can't bring myself to sell mine.

Maybe it's the size: every time I climb aboard it's like getting into a toy car and let's face it, we are all kids at heart. You can squeeze into and between the smallest spaces, mount pavements if necessary and still get smiles from other drivers.

Maybe it's the size plus its capability: these babies go anywhere and consistently embarrass larger monsters. They tread lightly on the earth, leave a smaller footprint, raise less dust, use little fuel, frighten fewer animals... Sure, they carry less, but who needs all that "stuff" anyway? And, in the unlikely event you do get bogged, a few people can free you.

Maybe size plus capability equals fun: and fun to me is all about heading off, be it to the bush or the shops, whether for days or minutes, in a vehicle that is reliable, simple and economical and one which gives me time to connect to the world around me. You cannot be in a rush in these cars- just sit back and enjoy the experience.