Hello all,

I'm looking into getting a Sidekick for a D'D and light trail use on weekends. 

I'm a recent graduate of Jeeps,  Wranglers, CJ, Jeepster, and Cherokees.  I've done them all really.  I'm just tired of them honestly and I don't want to build anything extreme this time. (My last XJ had everything and more for a All pupose trail rig and D'D)  The wife doesn't like nasty trails and I've recently discovered a need for MPG.... 

Hence, Sidekick 4-dr.  A good friend of mine has a '95 JX with over 170K mi on his and runs great, gets 30-ish mpg and it was cheap.

The build:  skids, 1" ish lift, rear locker, larger AT tire, manual hubs, DRIVE!

Question:  Auto or manual?  Sport or regular Sidekick?

I'm looking at 2 rigs right now, leaning toward the Sport. 

'98 Sport 1.8L 5-spd:
    + like the more powerful 1.8L and 5-spd seems to work well
    + like the wheels and looks of the Sport
    + Already has 1" spacer lift
    + Already has Warn Manual hubs
    - specific frame requires fabbing skids.

'95 JLX 16v Auto:
    + A little cleaner condition than the sport
    + Direct bolt on skids / aftermarket support
    - Unsure on automatic...?
    - I liked the 1.8L's power
    - No cup holders....   
   
The Price difference is $200-400 and the only real flaws with the sport is the cladding is scuffed and the truck needs cleaning and touch up.  The '95 is immaculate, but older and auto.  Would need tires and hubs, the Sport needs tires, brakes, cleaning, and a little paint.

None of the "Needed" stuff scares me, but what is the general concensus?

Welcome to the forum and the Zuki world, hopefully 

 IMO I would go with the sport. I try to stay away from autos in imports myself and five speeds are much more enjoyable to drive. The 1.8 power would be missed and you need cup holders. (LOL)

Welcome. I have driven a Sport for 4yrs. now and love it. The 1.8L is the way to go for power and durability. You will have a little harder time finding parts for the 1.8, but it is still not that bad.

Thanks for the feedback.  Took the advice and purchased my favorite of the two....

Ownership Day #1:

Nice!  Congrats!

Looks clean.  Can't wait to see the before and after pictures. 

That thing needs a lift!! I've got coil spacers. Let me know if you are interested. Email: hoepkers|removethispart|@charter.net

Very nice looking ride. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks guys.  It actually has a 1- 1.5" spacer lift already to clear the 235/70/16 tires.  It seems to be close to where I want it, but would probably like to check into what you offer once I get it closer to being on the road.

As far as before and after photo's, it won't be that exciting of a difference.  I'm after an economical / trail worthy D.D and it won't likely be changed much from where it is.

*Full fluid change
*Front skid
*make center skids
*repaint rack
*repaint cladding
*new shocks
*new tires
*remove front tow-bar
*PURPLE WINDOW TINT..... GONE
*New "smoke" grey tint
*Silver pinstripe
*Trailer hitch
*Clean interior
*CD Player

Thats the planned "After"...  There is a lot of issues the photo doesn't show and most of what I want to do won't show either, but I enjoy these kinds of projects and the thrill of wheeling/driving the finished (Technically NEVER finished, but you know what I mean)  machine...  FUN!

I should have it licensed and mostly there next week. 

I will say that being a veteran of Jeeps, Broncos, Rangers, And more Jeeps, that I am impressed with the amount of clearance there is under this vehicle with such a modest lift/tire package.  Everything is tucked up nicely and is out of the way.  I think I'm really going to enjoy this little rig.

welcome  and weve been down similar paths !!!