New Victim?:D

Arpu · 10-30-2006, 12:19 AM

Hi all, i`m new here and am looking for honest opinions of the 1600 Suzuki Escudo. I may have the oppertunity to purchase a 1993 auto model with 70,000km on the clock and well looked after. Never owned one of these, I have always driven GM or Ford. A small truck? such as this may suit me well as I have difficulty getting in and out of regular vehicles plus I like the ride height of this. My wife and I will be using it for local driving, and as I nearly wheelchair bound, getting us close to the beach and small ventures off the beaten track.
Are these a long lived, reliable vehicle and what bugs will they bring to my life.
Thanks.

Shconer · 10-30-2006, 01:10 AM

I have a 1993 Automatic Suzuki Sidekick that my family bought new. We drove it very hard and it lasted 320000 KM before it quit running. The only major issues we ever had other than normal maintence was replacing the manifold and O2 sensor around 180000 KM and a water pump at 300000 KM and the brake discs I dont remember when but only because the wear indicators broke on the pads and contacted the disc metal to metal. I currently drive a 94 with 202000 KM.
I would expect a well looked after 93 with 70000 KM to last a long time. It's easier to get in and out of but also because it's smaller its easier to drive and park as well as cheaper to run than larger trucks.

Arpu · 10-30-2006, 04:16 AM

That is reassuring Shconer. I also like the economy, maneuverability and improved vision from these small 4x4s`. They appear to be lightly built however, do they suffer from any corrosion problems greater than other vehicles? By that I mean are they rust treated in any way?
320k is a reasonable run from an automatic. My experiences with autos is problems at about the 200k mark.
I believe that this one is a locally made unit or imported new as it is registered here in `93 and does not have air con .
Are there any particular tweeks to the suspension/steering that need to be undertaken to make them handle better on the highway or are they OK in this regard?
Tell me, is the sidekick the 2 door SWB version of the Escudo?
Thanks for your help.

Ozzy77 · 10-30-2006, 10:19 AM

I had used it(93 tracker) in my farm as a tractor, isn´t a john deer, but is a pretty good car, also I have it to drive around and if you give some to the car, it will last for ever...had to drive over 3 ft deep river with some volcanic rock and pulling a 55gls. full container then climb a little mud clift and I had never had any problem with it. Just good mainteinance

nascarmaniac · 10-30-2006, 12:41 PM

If you plan on taking it on the beach. Make sure you wash the undercarraige when you get home or soon after. They are prone to rot at the body mounts. I would pickup a can of undercoating and spray body mounts in front of the rear tires. As far as ride goes. They are very well balanced. If your not going mountain climbing leave her be.

Shconer · 10-30-2006, 01:00 PM

The Sidekicks come in both 3 and 5 door versions of the Escudo. The oly differance I think is the driver position.

Arpu · 10-30-2006, 04:58 PM

Thank you all. Yes, corrosion is a concern, some vehicles just grow the stuff

! I am making my way through relevant postings on this (great) forum. Not being anal, just that I have time to do my homework. It is a maybe deal as the owner has been warned off the V6 model Suzuki and is debating moving to a more "modern" Toyota Rav. Fingers crossed.

nascarmaniac · 10-30-2006, 05:02 PM

We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.