Buying a Suzuki SJ ...

Here are some important things you should know when buying yourself a little Suzuki SJ.
The Suzuki SJ, not so long ago, was classed as a trendy hairdressers car, or a boy racers car on the cheap ( that was until they realised they could not take corners at 50mph ! ) but since then the SJ has become the most competent, and possibly the most favourable, off road machine ever. When looking to buy an SJ, there are certain things you need to look for.

Rust ...

The SJ in general, is a very reliable car. The main thing that ALL SJ’s suffer from is rust. They can rust anywhere - most obviously the wheel arches, the bottom of the windscreen and even the bumper, as water and mud collects behind the bumper and rots it from the inside out. Another rust spot, which can be difficult to see is just above the pedal box on the bulkhead, behind the battery. It is easier to see this from under the bonnet. Although the body has a tendency to rust, luckily the chassis only suffers from surface rust, which can be easily removed and treated, before painting with Hammerite and coating with Waxoyl. If possible, never buy an SJ that has lived near or on the beach as SJ’s, like all vehicles, do not like salt water and as the SJ is a leisure vehicle a lot of them may have spent along time at the beach.

Of course, if you are buying an SJ to go off roading in, a certain amount of body rust is nothing to worry about - as its soon going to pick up lots of nice scratches and dings anyway, but do check the underside for any signs of damage caused from previous off road use. Especially check the differential housing, cross members and axles.

Engine ...

The engine is as prone to faults as any other engine so make sure you follow all the usual steps when checking a car over - start the car from cold, let it warm up and switch it off and try starting it again. Check for clouds of blue smoke and any strange noises from the engine compartment. Leave it ticking over for a while and check that over heating is not a problem.


If the car you are looking at is an SJ410, with 4 speed box, make sure you check that there is not a clunking noise from it when using third gear as they do have a slight reputation for syncromesh problems on third gear. If the car looks good enough to buy so far take it for a drive. Bring the car to stop and engage 4 wheel drive and check that you can select hi and lo ratio. ( If the SJ has free wheel hubs ensure they are set to the lock position or you will still only have the benefit of 2 wheel drive).

Insurance ...

Once you have chosen your intended SJ, you need to then get your insurance cover -BEWARE, as many insurance companies have strict guidelines about where you are covered to drive. It's also worth mentioning that SJ’s do qualify for the cheaper Road Tax.

On the road, yes, the SJ is slow and bumpy, but remember that what you have got here, is a car capable of taking you anywhere. No more worries about hitting the front valence on the kurb, no more worries about getting stuck in mud when parking on the grass, and even greater, the knowledge that here is a basic little car that with just a few minor extras, can open up a whole new world in the form of greenlaning, off roading and even RTV competitions ( RTV : Road Taxed Vehicle Competitions )

So there you have it, now go on out there, buy your SJ and get it legal. Owning an SJ is not like owning any other car - a Ford driver uses his car to get from A to B, but an SJ driver gets from A to B but has fun at the same time - enjoy your SJ and your SJ will serve you proud and will put the fun back into your daily trips, wherever you go.

What to pay? ...

The amazing thing about these cars are that for very little money you can buy a car capable of winning world off road championships. ( It amazes me, that there are still loads of people out there that laugh when I tell them this but it is true, the SJ is amazing off road )

My own SJ410, that can be seen in the "our cars" section, cost me just £395 - with a full MOT. The only thing that I have had to fix on it since its purchase nine months ago was an exhaust system which set me back £135. Ok, the paint is a bit faded, and rust is forming around the arches, but I take it greenlaning every chance I get so why worry about this ?

For a little more, around £600 - £700, you can buy one in good all round condition and those of you rich enough to cough up £1,000 can buy something in good condition with history. For £1000, you can also find yourself a rare Long Wheel Base model, this has all the ability of a SWB but also has some boot space !!

For £1500-£2000 you can expect to be able to buy the very best SJ, with a full MOT, full service history and in mint condition. I have not seen a standard SJ sell for more than £2,000 for many years !!!

My recommendation to anyone who wants an SJ to try off roading for the first time is buy a good example, with an MOT and around 1989 - E reg for about £500-£600.

Credits...

Written by Mark Smith