Considering a dinky 4x4
 

Hi Guys.

I'm starting my first job next march and I need my own transport. (currently driving my dad's ride). I'll basically be driving about 150km/day to the office, but there will be some recreational and work-related off-roading involved. I'm considering buying a 1984 Suzuki SJ410, since its cheap, got nice ground clearance and has a short wheel base.

Do you guys know of any problems with these vehicles? Mechanical, handling, etc etc. Also, how much modding could I do? Since I'll be driving a lot, I might have to ditch the engine for something more reliable or powerful.

Thanks.

handles really rough. small engine, but can get to places larger 4x4 cannot. maintenance is no worse than any other 4x4

For small and cheap you can't go wrong with a sammi, lots of after market parts and upgrades

Be aware that's going to be pretty harsh for such a long commute because of the short wheel base and high cg. Is your commute highway or city stop and go?

Look at the toyota FJ40. They never die.

get a used jeep, there are thousands of aftermarket companies and a huge knowledgebase, samurai would work too, but i dont like them.

I agree with looking at an FJ40.

An old Scout would be badass, and hilarious.

I had an 84 SJ410..worked well..when I could keep motors in it..the 84's have a smaller motor then 85 and newer...only like 900cc i think, been a long time since i had one..

Very slow on the highway, gets blown around a lot on the highway..great for around town..but thats about it.

Find yourself and old CJ or Cruiser

ALso, look at bronco II's. They're a little bigger than a sammi, but they have more power and are easierto find parts for around here. Downside is they have a more complicated front supension.

I commute 55 miles a day in my Tracker. Same 1.6L I-4 as the Samurai. I can cruise at 75mph and the engine just hums along. I've got 172k miles on it.

As long as I treat her nice with regular oil changes I think she's going to last forever. I've never had to do any major maintenance on this car aside from filters, fluids, and gaskets (just the valve cover). I'm still using the original clutch!

Thanks for all the replies. My commute is mostly Highway, with about 10km of rush-hour traffic. I figured the ride would be pretty harsh, which was why I asked abou t modding. I dont need as much ground clearance either for where I want to go.

Most of the other vehicles you suggested aren't available over here. I live in South Africa.