kit wrote:muppet_man67 wrote:most sierras of the years you specified will have a dodgy batch of pistons in them. the pistons usually drop between 100-180,000kms. I think on this forum about half the coiler owners I know of have had this problem.
Being new to suzukis, I'm somewhat unfamiliar with the differences across the model range. Is there somewhere you can direct me to that talks about this? The Sierra bible at the top of this forum doesn't seem to cover it.
As the sierra will also be driven most days of the week, it must also be reliable. Which model/year range do you recommend I start with?
all 1.3 liter engine model sierras seem to have pretty even reliability. (exept for coiler engines) it is only wear and tear factors with the age of them that affects the reliability.
1 liter sierra engines dont seem to last long.
1.3 liter 1985-87 - The main difference is that they are narrower. hence why they are described as narrowtracks
1.3 liter 1987-96 -wider track makes them more stable. Hard tops came with carpet, air conditioning was an option.
1.3 liter 1996-1998 many things were changed such as coil suspension (why they are called coilers) the interior was significantly upgraded. soft tops didnt have removable windscreens anymore, drivetrain changes to the front diff and transfer case.
1.3 liter 1998-today otherwise known as a jimny. Basicly you get a very similar four wheel drive to the coiler with many added bonuses, including power most things, auto as an option, Fuel Injection, a longer wheel base, a better positioned fuel tank, more interior space, front locker available, after market suspension available, transfer gears available. The big downside is the fit anthing bigget the 30" tire you have to either cut the gaurds or lift the car 8 inches.
) but am on a limited budget (around $5000).
