Mark (smokey mow) Posted January 5, 2014 Posted January 5, 2014 I live only a couple of miles from the Bures Pit Off Road, and there at least the small Suzuki SJ's and Diahatsu's are still very much the weapon of choice. For the majority of stuff they seem just as capable as the Landrovers and more nimble, only really failing on some of the bigger or steeper climbs where that bit more power is necessary. Quote
Wile E. Coyote Posted January 5, 2014 Posted January 5, 2014 Mind you, still remember my sisters SJ, years ago. Possibly one of the worst road cars I've ever been in! Had this very disturbing sensation on turn in to anything other than long gentle turns at any sort of speed, where you'd feel the wheels turn in and start to track round the bend, and for the merest tiny fraction of a second, you'd feel the car body still carrying on in a straight line. (Bit like that feeling in a bus, if you stand forward of the front wheels). All sorts of legal nastiness in the US about alleged tendency to/risk of roll over IIRC? Quote
Meakin Posted January 5, 2014 Posted January 5, 2014 They are definitely not a good "road car". In fact even the manual states it's primarily designed for off road and to take corners appropriately. I use mine a lot in winter as my choice is jimny or Westfield. To say chalk and cheese would be an understatement. As long as you remember your driving a proper off roader it's fine. No you can't take corners fast but then again you never get to go that fast anyway ;-) however in cr@p conditions they are brilliant. Flood heavy rain, snow and the local favourite "cover the road in as much mud as possible", they have no problems in driving their way through. Once you are used to how they drive they are fine Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted January 5, 2014 Posted January 5, 2014 Only a problem if you mistakenly think you're driving a car. (And hard to think how you could get confused in an SJ/Jimney type vehicle!) Quote
Young Pretender Posted January 5, 2014 Author Posted January 5, 2014 All sorts of legal nastiness in the US about alleged tendency to/risk of roll over IIRC? Looked into this a bit and it seems it was the samurai that came in for this criticism. Also seems the criticisms were a bit dubious There's a couple of youtube vids that show the auto tests and describe the supposed conspiracy too Quote
Meakin Posted January 5, 2014 Posted January 5, 2014 Found those videos interesting viewing. Thinking back I can remember the photos interesting how much they had to do to get the wheels to leave the ground. I know where you're coming from Dave. It doesn't inspire confidence in the corners my wife hates the confined space and bouncy feeling/lean. Quote
SootySport Posted January 6, 2014 Posted January 6, 2014 Been in an early Jimmy long time ago as a passenger, 50mph was a struggle and gets blown about a bit on open roads, I didn't feel safe at all. Quote
Young Pretender Posted November 6, 2016 Author Posted November 6, 2016 Finally realised the dream Love driving this silly little thing, it's just so much fun.. Should be on everyones bucket list Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted November 6, 2016 Posted November 6, 2016 Excellent! I had the Grand Vitara for a few years, and while a bit more stable due to the longer wheelbase, and perhaps sprung and arb'd a little more for the road, it was also great fun. Would have another Suzi in a flash if I needed another off-roader, and didn't have the pick up. Quote
Young Pretender Posted November 6, 2016 Author Posted November 6, 2016 Excellent! I had the Grand Vitara for a few years, and while a bit more stable due to the longer wheelbase, and perhaps sprung and arb'd a little more for the road, it was also great fun. Would have another Suzi in a flash if I needed another off-roader, and didn't have the pick up. Hey Dave. Yes it's not got the best road manners that's true. Got to admit though, I'm actually finding that's part of its charm. It'll get worse too by the time it's lifted and with nobblies on 1 Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted November 6, 2016 Posted November 6, 2016 It's true, there's a real delight to hustling one along on the road; not quick, but fun and never failed to put a smile on my face! Quote
AllanI Posted November 6, 2016 Posted November 6, 2016 They do need revving but they aren't slow. People don't like getting passed by one! And as you've discovered it puts a smile on your face. Great in dodgy conditions and a proper low box. Enjoy it, we had one for years it didn't need anything in the way of spares unlike the Freelander we had at the same time £££. Allan Quote
Young Pretender Posted November 7, 2016 Author Posted November 7, 2016 People don't like getting passed by one! I could only imagine lol. People don't even like being behind one - I'm getting bullied something ridiculous Quote
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