Hi Guys,

I'm new to the board here. I currently own a Suzuki Forenza, but from reading the post here I have gotten the urge to go wheelin'. I am looking for a Tracker/Sidekick 4dr model (It will serve as a second family vehicle as well) in decent condition. I just wanted to ask...when shopping for my new 4x4 (hoping not to get a lemon) what are some of the things I should look for in concerns to abuse or wear and tear. I am new to the 4x4 arena so I don't know much about diffs, axles, or gears. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

Look at maintenance records, and
the general condition, miles to years
and bent frame rails from offroad abuse

Wild

Thanks
I will take note of bent frame rails.

Of coarse mine are bent and
hit and missing most of the
paint down to the primer and
I think I have a reliable truck


Wild

 Rust is another very crucial thing to look out for. For example, I bought an 89 kick for parts last year that had rust on the body. It was also missing several sections of the frame rails from cancer. Look to see if it has any blistering type rust really bad on the doors, if so, beware, it might have it bad elsewhere. Mine lived in Minnesota most of its life, till it moved here and lost the engine less than 500 miles after an oil change.

Ohh ya, Rust, I allways forget about
the rust, I have an 89' and no rust
at all, this dry California weather lets
cars last much longer

Wild

Front crank seal and front & rear cam seals are common oil leak spots.  Nothing serious but messy.

I have my idle set to about 900 RPM (about 150 RPM higher than my auto calls for in Neutral) to hide (from me) a bad cylinder (low compression from valve, gasket, ).  But, a faster than factory idle may also hide sensor problems that cause erratic idle at stock RPM.

Check for even tire wear.  Uneven could be a minor suspension problem or could be a bent frame.  After a while mine started chewing up the right front tire and I had noticed some side impact damage repair while doing a rear speaker installation, I feared the worst (bent fraime), but it turned out it just needed a front end alignment.

I agree with rust, I'm lucky, I just have very little surface rust mostly around the top of the rocker panels.  I did have a problem with the door hinge tearing away from the body though; had to have that welded.

All in all, these seem to be very reliable/sturdy trucks (knock wood )

Good Luck in your search.

Previous accidents are something to look out for.  Look for paint where it's not supposed to be like on tailpipes, window moldings, tires, frame, etc.  If this doesn't indicate a collision it could also mean that they painted it to hide rust and the whole bottom end is now bondo.  Also ask the seller how often the 4x4 was used and make sure it still works and operates smoothly with no trouble shifting in and not grinding or humming noises.  If your not sure what to listen for or how to see if 4x4 is working, just ask here.  Good luck with your new Zuk.

Man just find a women who drives a Zuk and is for sale, that way you know that the little fellow has been taken care of (of you can assume that it is in decent condition) Unforunately Rust takes its tole on us Canadians unless you live in Alberta or B.C. because they don't put salt on the road there. That's what really kills cars, it's the damn salt.  

Thanks a lot guys! I learned alot here

Man just find a women who drives a Zuk and is for sale, that way you know that the little fellow has been taken care of (of you can assume that it is in decent condition) Unforunately Rust takes its tole on us Canadians unless you live in Alberta or B.C. because they don't put salt on the road there. That's what really kills cars, it's the damn salt.  

Huh?

Huh?

All women can't be as cool as you

What I usually check:

First, under the truck. Lay down under the truck and take note of everything. See if there are skid marks on the bottom of the frame rails, look for dents in the exhaust, or bent crossmembers. Check for oil leaks, and take note of where they are coming from.

And of course, rust. You should see most of what you are going to be dealing with with the under the car search, however, I have heard a good way to check the condition of the body is to pull the tail lights out (two screws-easy) and look inside.

Open the hood, look at the engine. Take note of the timing belt cover, see if there are any oil leaks, battery corrosion (usually can tell what kind of person takes care of the truck by how much corrosion there is on the battery lol) funky wiring splices or grafts, etc.

Now, check the mileage and compare it to what you have seen. Is this normal wear and tear for 50, 80, 100, 150k miles?

Paint and interior are of course, important, however, not as important as the functionality of the vehicle.

Rock the truck body to check the shocks and struts. Drive it, see if the truck blows any steam or blue smoke. Go to a parking lot and turn the wheels hard and spin a circle in both directions in forward and reverse to check CVs. (listen for clicking). Put it in 4WD and lock in the hubs and check how it operates. Climb over a curb or something. Make sure both shifters feel tight, with no play. Take it for a freeway drive, check the alignment. Stop, put it into first and try to spin the tires. Check out functionality of A/C, heat, etc. Check all the lights.

When you get back, check for new oil leaks that might have appeared while you are driving.

Hope this helps.

Heather

All women can't be as cool as you

Eh, I'll agree with his statement. My girl is well taken care of. Even after wheeling the heck out of her.

Posted by: Memphis Posted on: Today at 07:41:29
Man just find a women who drives a Zuk and is for sale, that way you know that the little fellow has been taken care of  (of you can assume that it is in decent condition) Unforunately Rust takes its tole on us Canadians unless you live in Alberta or B.C. because they don't put salt on the road there. That's what really kills cars, it's the damn salt.    

I have to disagree, being an Albertan, we most certainly salt our roads when it snows. Depending on what the city budget is, you can have a good sand/salt mix. Rust is a bad thing, don't get me wrong, but if you catch the source, you can prevent a lot of damage. I just finished up some chips on my hood and I'll put money on the fact that I prevented a replacement hood... RUST is something to watch out for though, small patches can be taken care of, but big patches of damage I would stay away from!!

Anyway, what I would look for is records of service. A good owner keeps all the receipts and usually has kept it in his garage. Not to be sneaky here, but target a buy where the person obviously doesn't know the off-road value. A person that is looking for a quick sale to pay off their new motorbike, new truck or whatever is a great start!

steveo