Hello

New to the forum.

I am looking for a Hunting/Trail vehicle.  Before I run out and buy a UTV, I was looking at the option of a Samurai or Sidekick.  I'll be traveling logging trails mostly with some hill climbing but no bouldering.  Turning radius is important as some of the trails turn into more of ATV trails at points.  I've been down most of them on a Kubota so that size seems to work.  Being able to road to the site would be a benefit, as well as carrying a small amount of cargo.

Samurai seem harder to find and are pricier than old posts indicate.  That puts me to Sidekicks.

What's the turning difference between a 2 and 4 door?

What would be the questions you would ask on a deal like this (he is asking $4k?

It's a 1989 suzuki sidekick, same thing as a geo tracker. It has 54 or 56,000 miles on the odometer, I can't remember exactly right now. It has had the usual rust associated with them, but since I have had it all the rust has been cut out and patched back with aluminum sheet. It had been sitting for a couple years when I bought it.

New items as of 3,000 miles ago: clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, bigger alternator, timing belt, all gaskets and seals, air filter, fuel injector, throttle position sensor, piston rings, rod bearings, exhaust header and muffler, water pump, and I'm sure I'm missing others, it basically had a full engine overhaul.

The details: 1.6 liter fuel injected 4 cylinder engine
5 Speed, transfer case has 2hi, neutral, 4hi, and 4 low, all work great as well as locking front hubs
Mini spool in the rear end, no one tire spinning situations
Aluminum wheels with 265/70/17 all terrain tires that have about 90% tread left, wheels are chrome under the bronze plastidip but have some pitting
The floor has been bedlined so you can just hose it out
Soft top is in decent shape
Has the normal doors as well as a set of tube doors
Projector headlights
Back seat folds up
Sony radio
Fabricated front and rear bumpers
Hitch mounts in the front and back

The only thing that doesn't work is the temperature gauge, and I've let it idle for 30 minutes in my garage in the middle of summer to see if it would over heat and it didn't, so I feel confident in driving it anywhere at any time.

 

You do not say what area you are in.
West coast Zuk's seem to run lower in price, and usually not have as much rust problems.
4 door Track/Kick's are close to 11" longer wheelbase, so turning diameter is slightly bigger.  Usually that longer wheelbase works in your favor, especially in going down steep hills with even small steps (which gets critical in a 2 door).
56K on a 1989 would be extremely low miles, and more than likely the odometer has turned over.
Aluminum patched rust holes is just covering the rust area.  (Aluminum won't weld to steel, so it is sealed and screwed to cover , not replacing the rusted area.)
Having a mini spool installed would probably be close to $300-$500.
90% tires means they have a lot of mileage left.  For off road and extreme back road travel Mud & Snow have more aggressive patterns.
4 door zuki's do have more room inside for gear, passengers, dogs, meat.

Good Luck in finding a good hunting rig.

I agree with Brd Hntr.  Rust is the critical issue.  In the midwest and eastern US, rust is an issue.  Aluminum patches.... ?   I don't think so.  Body mounts, frame cross members... all take an "eating" from the salty winter environments.

I prefer the four doors to the two doors because of the added space and more security for the contents.  The slightly longer wheel base also provides a better ride.  With larger tires, turning is somewhat restricted because the larger diameter typically tires rub on the frame rails.

I do agree that you can purchase a Sidekick or GV/Tracker for FAR less money than a typical UTV and have MUCH more value for the buck as well as comfort, longevity and even better cross country mobility than you find on UTVs.   You can modify the Tracker/GV/Sidekick and still have far less money in it than a UTV.  Plus you have heat and even A/C.

Thanks.

I was confused by the aluminum patches.  Didn't think that was normal.

I live in the midwest.  If I go 4 door then that does open up more possibilities for a vehicle.

I'm torn between a 4 door SUV for knocking around and adding an ATV for getting back farther for hunting or going for a UTV that would have to be trailered for everything.

Do a search on Seattle Craigslist, cars & trucks,  for "tracker | sidekick | grand vitara | vitara | xl7", and there is quite a selection for under your $4000.  There is an 06 GV with 2.7L and 5 speed auto at $2600, fly out buy a relatively rust free Zuki and drive it home.  Have an adventure see Yellowstone, breakdown in middle of Nebraska, buy some buffalo while in Montana or Wyoming (so it can thaw while you are broke down), what a hunting trip. 
Don't get too good a vehicle or your wife will not let you beat it up.

Hi Doug- You say you are in the midwest...  I have a '96 Tracker (same as Sidekick) for sale in SW Ohio (Dayton area) for $1200.  It has the typical Suzuki rust, but the floors and doors are sound.  It has a 1.6L 16V engine with 5spd.  Less than 3K on a new clutch and about 108K on the truck.  Stock except for tires 2 sizes over stock (225's).  4WD works, but sometimes pops out of 4LO.  It is a 2dr convertible and comes with an aftermarket hard top and all mounting hardware.  It has some minor trail rash on the pass side rear qtr.  It is affectionately known as "The Deerslayer" after an encounter, about 10 years ago, with an 8 point buck at 50 mph, hence the early model flat hood and Suzuki grill.  It sounds like this may be the trail thrasher you are looking for.