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1991 Vitara SWB HT

Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:05 pm
by loudmoto
Im going to see about a SWB today.

Im new to the game, read the bible so thanks for that.

Its done 130kkm and its on offer for $3750, is that too much to pay for a 18 year old car?

Doesnt look like its done a lot of 4wding.

Wanted to say hi as this is my first post.

Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 2:52 pm
by atari4x4
welkomme loudmoto,

sounds like a reasonable price, check to see if the freewheeling hubs move freely if it hasn't had much off road work they might be seized & test out Hi & Low range if possible.

Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 4:21 pm
by Goatse.AJ
If possible, get somebody to do a pressure test on the cooling system and compression test on the engine.

Price is ok, but I've seen a few around that mileage/age with cracked heads/stuffed head gaskets. Check the coolant for oil and it's general condition. Check the oil for water. At that sort of mileage, the oil should still be a decent colour/clarity, even when almost due for service, unless it's been thrashed or has head issues.

Have a look underneath for dings, scrapes, caked-on mud, etc. to get an idea of how much offroad work it's done.

Make sure it had the timing belt replaced at 100,000km. If not, then do it asap if you buy it.