| Model year | 1988 |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1997 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.1 Manual |
| Performance marks | 1 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
3.3 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 110000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 125000 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW BMW |
Summary:
The engine is too small for the car
Faults:
The engine was damaged... developed cracks in the head, mixed water with oil.
General Comments:
Though I replaced the engine twice with original second hand engines, I never had the luck to have the machine run for more than 15 days without trouble.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 7th April, 2006
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.0 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 2 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
2.2 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 90000 kilometres |
Summary:
Not at all worth buying!
Faults:
1) Engine Overheats - even without the A/C on in summer! I have been told by several mechanics that this is a problem common to this model.
2) Very poor and therefore dangerous brakes.
3) No Pick/acceleration and limited top speed.
4) Jumpy Suspension.
5) Uncomfortable Rear Seats.
6) Horribly low Mileage.
General Comments:
While the car is great off-road in winter (it overheats in summer), a few changes could really have made the car shine. A 5-speed gear box with a relatively bigger diesel engine and less bone-jarring suspension are all things that could make this car shine.
I have also driven the Japan assembled version and that jeep does not overheat,it has good acceleration and braking, and is quite well built.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 28th January, 2006
Why bother buying this car just for road use then? It is a 4x4 for a reason. It is generally not too good but with simple modifications like rear disc break conversion which is cheap. Also, softer springs and shock absorbers are available. What did you expect from a 1.0 litre? It isn't going to do 0 to 60 in 4 seconds, this car was bought and used by many people and they are still around today for a reason.
They are simple and easy to modify/repair as for over heating a larger radiator generally works which can be bought from your local auto factors.
Why complain about this car when it's designed as a 4x4 and not a sports car or to be to the same modern standards that people get these days.
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.3 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 61000 miles |
| Previous car | Skoda Favorit |
Summary:
Put a smile on your face
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...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th May, 2004
Spot on.
You have to accept this car for what is, FUN!
I use mine as an urban run around, it's cheap to run, short enough to squeeze into some very tight parking spaces, and with the back of the soft top rolled up you have a cool breeze on a hot day with perfect rear visibility. If the road ahead is flooded you've got higher clearance than most other cars and if there's snow on the road just slip it into 4WD.
Insurance is cheap and the mechanics are so simple that it's straightforward to keep it running. These babies go on forever!!
For long distance journeys? Well, I just hire a conventional saloon!
I love these little cars.
I just bought an sj410 a feew months ago... it's the best thing that's happened to me. They really are unstoppable. I really did drive up an incline where I felt like I was going to tip backwards... it was only about 10 -15 feet of incline though. I had to high-rev it in 4low, but I made it. I can't even believe the places these little things will go. Go Suzuki.
I agree with the above comments! I purchased a 2002 SJ410 in September 2010... Have heard strange things about this little toy. But when I put this to the test, it proved wonderful. For a test drive I took this to Skardu (Northern Pakistan, the foothills of K2), while driving on the highest, narrowest and challenging road in the world. It left behind even many Land Cruisers on the slopes. My SJ covered over 2000 Km in five days and came back victoriously. Its very economic too. It performs in all weather conditions.
You do not have to go to a mechanic very often. Do not forget to change its oil in time, then drive, drive and drive. Basically it's a 4x4, so do not expect Mercedes behaviour from it...