Off Road But Not Out of Road: 1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4X4
The Suzuki Sidekick was introduced in the USA for the 1988 model year as a 2-door convertible or hardtop with a 1 1.6 liter fuel injected engine. It wasn’t a premium offering, but by 1997 it was an interesting experiment in out of date technology and 80s styling. Today’s example has a 5-speed manual gearbox and enough basic ruggedness to survive the longest safari rally stages. Find this 1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4X4 offered for $4200 in Belmont, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
1997 suzuki sidekick sport
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 211000
paint color: black
title status: clean
transmission: manual
1997 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX 4×4
5 Speed Manual
1.8L 4 cylinder motor.
RWD with manual locking hubs
Just passed smog with amazing numbers!
Registration Paid
211,000 miles
This sidekick was well taken care of all its life. The car runs and drives great. Amazing little 4×4 that is also great on gas. I average 24mpg. You will not find another 4×4 offroader that is 4 doors and so amazing on gas.
Asking $4200 obo. Priced for quick sale due to financial reasons. My loss your gain.
Pros:
-Oil changed every 3k miles
-Transmission fluid changed
-New Shocks
-New spark plugs
-New heater core
-New thermostat
-Kenwood speakers with bluetooth headunitCons:
-Driver window won’t roll down. Bad window motor.
-Small motor oil leak. About half a quart a month, its not bad. I keep the oil topped off religiously.
See a better way to drive a Sidekick? tips@dailyturismo.com
Everyone knows how capable these shitboxes are but did you know these have become the doomsday preppers’ third or fourth cheap driver of choice in Florida I’ve observed firsthand, both two and four door models. Thirty-year old Suzukis, ready for the ‘pics.
Well, the number one go/no-go attribute that you want for driving around in the woods is being able to fit between the trees. Ever notice how in all those ads for 4×4 big ass trucks if they ever show a tree it’s off far away from all its tree friends.
Sure, the desert is a nice place to visit but you wouldn’t want to live there.
I always wonder though about those peepers and their trucks. When society falls apart where are they going to get gas? Even diesel goes stale eventually. Propane would last a while I guess.
Lots and lots of ranch style beans is my guess.
Hmm homemade methane.
Looked up wood gasification, and people are messing around with it. The answer to $2.50 a gallon gas according to this.
https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-transportation/wood-gas-truck-zmaz81mjzraw
And people are worried about electric cars’ batteries in an accident!
So… we need to clear-cut the forests in order to reduce carbon emissions and therefore save the environment. Sounds good. I mean, it’s the trees or the cars and we all know we’re not going to give up the cars. Now, where’s my chainsaw?
Also, “wood gasification” sounds made up, like something a 6th grader would write on poster board at the science fair when his “scientific experiment” is actually just “what happens when I fart on a lit match?”