AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 3/30/2008 Subject: odometer
Question i am looking to buy a 1989 suzuki samurai and the owner says it has 70,000 miles on it and i was wondering does that year of samurai's odometer roll over after 99,999 or does it go all the way up to 999,999?
Answer I'm not absolutely certain about an '89, but my '87 has read "00000" three times now in it's life.
Unless the asking price is 'way high, I wouldn't worry. Repair parts, and more are quite available and very reasonable on the links at izook.com.
Get a professional mechanic to survey the vehicle, including a compression and leak test.
Personally, I think it's the best way to get into a 4wd that can be modified to go almost everywhere for less than a fourth of what it costs to trick up the rest.
My kid put up some videos on youtube(black bear pass, poughkeepsie gulch, crystal mountain) I've got less than 7.5K in it. (being a mechanic does lower labor costs)
scotty
