Suzuki Caribians On Phuket

[chickencurry]

Still trying t6 figure out what vehicle to buy - need smallish vehicle but coming round to the idea that something small, big wheeled and rugged would be suitable for Nai Harn sois. Have seen plenty of Suzuki Caribians around on the roads but where to buy one?? Can you get new ones?

If anyone has experience on Caribians (or a similar kind of vehicle), info will be greatly appreciated. Have also heard about a Toyota Rav 4 but have not seen any on the island.

[LivinginKata]

Think you can still get the Suzuki SJ 130 jeeps new in Phuket Town Suzuki dealer. But only as sporty & canvas versions. Think you need to order a hard top for the canvas and have a specialist company do the conversion for a true Caribian. Dealer location, road past Royal City Hotel/True UBC, to the end, turn left (big gas station on the corner, and dealer about 100m up on right side of road. Looks more like a repair shop and has no fancy show room.

I've had my Caribian for 10 years, and it was 7 years old when I bought. Been up to Bangkok and beyond 3 times. Never had a problem other than rountine stuff. The steering box biggest problem and I've replaced twice. Water pump twice, clutch once, timing belt once. Good solid agricultural vehicle.

Seen a few RAV 4s about the island. Smallish Toyota SUV, lot of space in the back for size of vehicle.

P.S. we don't use our Suzuki much these days and it's just sitting doing nothing. Good mechanically, cosmetically terrible. Open to offers ?? PM me if any interest.

Edited January 29, 2008 by LivinginKata

[MrEarl]

The little Suzuki is a great reliable and economical little truck. What they lack in comfort they more than make up being cheap to operate. Long trips suck in them but for putting around the island driving down to Nui beach it's perfect.

Lots of used one for cheap are available too. Or buy a new one.

[chickencurry]

Think you can still get the Suzuki SJ 130 jeeps new in Phuket Town Suzuki dealer. But only as sporty & canvas versions. Think you need to order a hard top for the canvas and have a specialist company do the conversion for a true Caribian. Dealer location, road past Royal City Hotel/True UBC, to the end, turn left (big gas station on the corner, and dealer about 100m up on right side of road. Looks more like a repair shop and has no fancy show room.

I've had my Caribian for 10 years, and it was 7 years old when I bought. Been up to Bangkok and beyond 3 times. Never had a problem other than rountine stuff. The steering box biggest problem and I've replaced twice. Water pump twice, clutch once, timing belt once. Good solid agricultural vehicle.

Seen a few RAV 4s about the island. Smallish Toyota SUV, lot of space in the back for size of vehicle.

P.S. we don't use our Suzuki much these days and it's just sitting doing nothing. Good mechanically, cosmetically terrible. Open to offers ?? PM me if any interest.

Thanks very much for that info - that's very useful. Will take a look at the dealers tomorrow. Would prefer new but not made firm decision yet - will bear in mind your offer

[Ping]

Get a wee sedan - something like a Vios - far more comfortable. You'll soon tire of the 4WD.

[MrEarl]

Get a wee sedan - something like a Vios - far more comfortable. You'll soon tire of the 4WD.

You can't drive a Vios down to Nui beach.

And you can buy a good Suzuki for less than 100K.

[steelepulse]

>>You can't drive a Vios down to Nui beach.

And you can buy a good Suzuki for less than 100K.

Slightly OT, are they still charging for access to Nui beach?  If so, why would you encourage the greed these clowns have shown.  I've heard horror stories about these guys if you don't want to pay to get to the beach via their property.

[MrEarl]

Slightly OT, are they still charging for access to Nui beach? If so, why would you encourage the greed these clowns have shown. I've heard horror stories about these guys if you don't want to pay to get to the beach via their property.

I've always paid to rent the chairs and for some drinks. Never have been charged an entry fee too.

I can see how they would cop an attutude if you try to get in an out without spending a baht.

It is a nice beach and they do control the access. They've got expenses too and they're hardly getting rich off the few people that go there.

[phuketsub]

Slightly OT, are they still charging for access to Nui beach? If so, why would you encourage the greed these clowns have shown. I've heard horror stories about these guys if you don't want to pay to get to the beach via their property.

I've always paid to rent the chairs and for some drinks. Never have been charged an entry fee too.

I can see how they would cop an attutude if you try to get in an out without spending a baht.

It is a nice beach and they do control the access. They've got expenses too and they're hardly getting rich off the few people that go there.

they also try to control what happens offshore as well, such as when one of their guys on a jet ski cut a Sea Gypsy diver's airhose (from a pump in a boat at the surface) and nearly killed him...or so the story goes...

[phuketsub]

Slightly OT, are they still charging for access to Nui beach? If so, why would you encourage the greed these clowns have shown. I've heard horror stories about these guys if you don't want to pay to get to the beach via their property.

I've always paid to rent the chairs and for some drinks. Never have been charged an entry fee too.

I can see how they would cop an attutude if you try to get in an out without spending a baht.

It is a nice beach and they do control the access. They've got expenses too and they're hardly getting rich off the few people that go there.

they also try to control what happens offshore as well, such as when one of their guys on a jet ski cut a Sea Gypsy diver's airhose (from a pump in a boat at the surface) and nearly killed him...or so the story goes...

oops, almost forgot. I have a 1996 Suzuki Caribean that I bought for 50,000 baht and it runs fine

[Bagsida]

oops, almost forgot. I have a 1996 Suzuki Caribean that I bought for 50,000 baht and it runs fine

I visited the Suzuki dealer in Phuket Town yesterday - no Caribean or similar for sale.

A 3-door Vitara I think, more than 10 years old in very bad condition for THB 230,000.-

They also have a 5-door Vitara which looks a little better, but THB 340,000.-

O.k. - was the starting price, but even I not would buy one of these cars for the half price.

I knew before, that the Suzukis are quite expensive on Phuket but this price is a rip off !

I still like to buy a new Navara !

Bagsida

Edited February 6, 2008 by Bagsida

[steelepulse]

>>they also try to control what happens offshore as well, such as when one of their guys on a jet ski cut a Sea Gypsy diver's airhose (from a pump in a boat at the surface) and nearly killed him...or so the story goes...

I thought that was at yanui beach which is by Naiharn, while Nui beach is up by Kata viewpoint.

oops, almost forgot. I have a 1996 Suzuki Caribean that I bought for 50,000 baht and it runs fine

I visited the Suzuki dealer in Phuket Town yesterday - no Caribean or similar for sale.

A 3-door Vitara I think, more than 10 years old in very bad condition for THB 230,000.-

They also have a 5-door Vitara which looks a little better, but THB 340,000.-

O.k. - was the starting price, but even I not would buy one of these cars for the half price.

I knew before, that the Suzukis are quite expensive on Phuket but this price is a rip off !

I still like to buy a new Navara !

Bagsida

[Guest Reimar]

oops, almost forgot. I have a 1996 Suzuki Caribean that I bought for 50,000 baht and it runs fine

I visited the Suzuki dealer in Phuket Town yesterday - no Caribean or similar for sale.

A 3-door Vitara I think, more than 10 years old in very bad condition for THB 230,000.-

They also have a 5-door Vitara which looks a little better, but THB 340,000.-

O.k. - was the starting price, but even I not would buy one of these cars for the half price.

I knew before, that the Suzukis are quite expensive on Phuket but this price is a rip off !

I still like to buy a new Navara !

Bagsida

Make a Holiday trip to Bangkok and you'll find a lot Carribean, Sporty's and so. Even new once stiil available at Maporn Srinakarin Road.

I had an Carribean build 89 and sold in April last year.A year before I was changing the Engine and Gearbox to Vitara 1600 ccm as the old engine was going down after 470,000 km. I was many Times in Singapore with that truck and my shortest time from Samut Prakarn to SG was 22 hour non-stop!

The car was Ggreat and the best Value for Money you can get. Never any Problems, except the change of the engine after 470,000 km and the normal things like Brake-Pads pp, one time the clutch and one time the Oil seals on the axis.

Driving a Car for 18 years without any problem, means something.

Cheers.

[Guest Reimar]

oops, almost forgot. I have a 1996 Suzuki Caribean that I bought for 50,000 baht and it runs fine

I visited the Suzuki dealer in Phuket Town yesterday - no Caribean or similar for sale.

A 3-door Vitara I think, more than 10 years old in very bad condition for THB 230,000.-

They also have a 5-door Vitara which looks a little better, but THB 340,000.-

O.k. - was the starting price, but even I not would buy one of these cars for the half price.

I knew before, that the Suzukis are quite expensive on Phuket but this price is a rip off !

I still like to buy a new Navara !

Bagsida

Make a Holiday trip to Bangkok and you'll find a lot Carribean, Sporty's and so. Even new once stiil available at Maporn Srinakarin Road.

I had an Carribean build 89 and sold in April last year.A year before I was changing the Engine and Gearbox to Vitara 1600 ccm as the old engine was going down after 470,000 km. I was many Times in Singapore with that truck and my shortest time from Samut Prakarn to SG was 22 hour non-stop!

The car was Ggreat and the best Value for Money you can get. Never any Problems, except the change of the engine after 470,000 km and the normal things like Brake-Pads pp, one time the clutch and one time the Oil seals on the axis.

Driving a Car for 18 years without any problem, means something.

Cheers.

[chickencurry]

oops, almost forgot. I have a 1996 Suzuki Caribean that I bought for 50,000 baht and it runs fine

I visited the Suzuki dealer in Phuket Town yesterday - no Caribean or similar for sale.

A 3-door Vitara I think, more than 10 years old in very bad condition for THB 230,000.-

They also have a 5-door Vitara which looks a little better, but THB 340,000.-

O.k. - was the starting price, but even I not would buy one of these cars for the half price.

I knew before, that the Suzukis are quite expensive on Phuket but this price is a rip off !

I still like to buy a new Navara !

Bagsida

Yeh had the same experience there a few days ago. Caribians - mai mee, Jeep - mai mee. What have? Just the Vitara. Don't know what is going on at that garage but don't think I'll be buying there. Looks like it's back to a hatchback for me, maybe Toyota Yaris - new model looks good and actually has airbags with the manual gearbox (shock horror!)

[ade100]

I am also thinking of getting a Caribbean in a few months. I noticed one for sale in the Phuket Gazette classified

[patongpanda]

It's more economical to buy a new budget car like a Vios.

Those Caribians drink petrol like nobody's business.

Try renting one first they are an absolute pig to drive.

[LivinLOS]

Suzuki's drinking much petrol ??? Not the ones I have rented.

I think they are a rough ride.. But comparing the cost of ownership on a reliable but old suzuki against a vios or something is nuts.. The vios will depreciate in a year the total cost of the suzuki jeep..

[LivinginKata]

Actually, they use very little petrol as only a 1.3 L engine. The older models without power steering are somewhat heavy to park, but on the open road I found the manual steering no problem. Clearly the suspension is rather stiff compared with a small modern compact saloon. On my drives up to Bangkok I found that driving at a 90 kph speed made the drive more relaxing. Whereas zooming long at 110+ in a modern car is much more demanding.

[phuketsub]

Actually, they use very little petrol as only a 1.3 L engine. The older models without power steering are somewhat heavy to park, but on the open road I found the manual steering no problem. Clearly the suspension is rather stiff compared with a small modern compact saloon. On my drives up to Bangkok I found that driving at a 90 kph speed made the drive more relaxing. Whereas zooming long at 110+ in a modern car is much more demanding.

The ride is terribly stiff. Also, my wife lacks the arm strength to steer or shift it it safely. (no power steering). I agree that they use a lot of gas for a 1.3l, but that's common for the a 4WD.

Anyway, for 50,000 baht I can't complain...it is very dependable

[MrEarl]

Anyway, for 50,000 baht I can't complain...it is very dependable

They're also perfect for poking around the mountains and parks. There are many interesting places to explore that aren't accessible with a saloon automobile.

[Ping]

I had a Caribbean once. Only had three new engines, five new gearboxes, two new bodies, three new sets of seats, two new instrument clusters and a few other bits and pieces... It could be a little temperamental, but usually got me where I was going. Best car I've ever had.

[nataz]

Think you can still get the Suzuki SJ 130 jeeps new in Phuket Town Suzuki dealer. But only as sporty & canvas versions. Think you need to order a hard top for the canvas and have a specialist company do the conversion for a true Caribian. Dealer location, road past Royal City Hotel/True UBC, to the end, turn left (big gas station on the corner, and dealer about 100m up on right side of road. Looks more like a repair shop and has no fancy show room.

I've had my Caribian for 10 years, and it was 7 years old when I bought. Been up to Bangkok and beyond 3 times. Never had a problem other than rountine stuff. The steering box biggest problem and I've replaced twice. Water pump twice, clutch once, timing belt once. Good solid agricultural vehicle.

Seen a few RAV 4s about the island. Smallish Toyota SUV, lot of space in the back for size of vehicle.

P.S. we don't use our Suzuki much these days and it's just sitting doing nothing. Good mechanically, cosmetically terrible. Open to offers ?? PM me if any interest.

i'm actually looking for a cheep second hand caribian in good condition. yours sound preety old, so i guess the price might be good for what i can pay. PM me more details or give your phone no' and i will call

[LivinginKata]

i'm actually looking for a cheep second hand caribian in good condition. yours sound preety old, so i guess the price might be good for what i can pay. PM me more details or give your phone no' and i will call

I'll PM you...

[Bagsida]

I had a Caribbean once. Only had three new engines, five new gearboxes, two new bodies, three new sets of seats, two new instrument clusters and a few other bits and pieces... It could be a little temperamental, but usually got me where I was going. Best car I've ever had.

Hello Ping & others,

yesterday I had a testdrive with a Caribbean from 1990 with 4 seats & Hardtop, starting price THB 95,000,-.

During the testdrive blue smoke left the exhaust system, the engine lost a lot of oil etc. - the owner (and me) took the car to Suzuki / Phuket :

Temp-Sensor broken (temp-meter not working & the fan not can works) > waterpump leaking and lost the complete cooling liquid > engine became much to hot > nobody saw the high temp. > engine dead

Repairing of the engine at Suzuki garage is about THB 45,000.- the worth of the car after the repair is about THB 50,000.- - so far the informations we got from Suzuki.

The owner now (today or latest tomorrow) will sell the car unrepaired for THB 10,000.- (condition of the chassis etc. is good so far) - the car is now at the Suzuki garage in Phuket.

Caribbeans about 12 years old I saw for about THB 140,000.- (one Sporty and one with 4 seats and hardtop) at a dealer in Phuket (can send phone-no by PM), but this price is about 20% of a brand new Navara 4x4 King Cab LE and for me I think much to expensive.

So I will fly to BKK next week & buy a new Navara.

Bagsida

Edited February 27, 2008 by Bagsida

[Ping]

I had a Caribbean once. Only had three new engines, five new gearboxes, two new bodies, three new sets of seats, two new instrument clusters and a few other bits and pieces... It could be a little temperamental, but usually got me where I was going. Best car I've ever had.

Hello Ping & others,

yesterday I had a testdrive with a Caribbean from 1990 with 4 seats & Hardtop, starting price THB 95,000,-.

During the testdrive blue smoke left the exhaust system, the engine lost a lot of oil etc. - the owner (and me) took the car to Suzuki / Phuket :

Temp-Sensor broken (temp-meter not working & the fan not can works) > waterpump leaking and lost the complete cooling liquid > engine became much to hot > nobody saw the high temp. > engine dead

Repairing of the engine at Suzuki garage is about THB 45,000.- the worth of the car after the repair is about THB 50,000.- - so far the informations we got from Suzuki.

The owner now (today or latest tomorrow) will sell the car unrepaired for THB 10,000.- (condition of the chassis etc. is good so far) - the car is now at the Suzuki garage in Phuket.

Caribbeans about 12 years old I saw for about THB 140,000.- (one Sporty and one with 4 seats and hardtop) at a dealer in Phuket (can send phone-no by PM), but this price is about 20% of a brand new Navara 4x4 King Cab LE and for me I think much to expensive.

So I will fly to BKK next week & buy a new Navara.

Bagsida

Good one Bagsida. Let us know how you go...

[phuketsub]

I have what is a potentially dangerous problem with my 1996 SJ413...(aka White Caribean)

The other day as I was racing to get though the yellow light Central Intersection Intersection (heading south on the bypass) the old jalopy started to vibrate violently from side-to-side, and continued to do so until I came to almost a complete stop..

This is not a mild vibration, but closer to 'space shuttle on a bad re-entry' type stuff...very bad. I was lucky there were no other cars around me.

This has happened to me 2-3 times before over the 6-8 months I have owned it, and it doesn't always have to be at a very high speed to set it off.

A buddy of mine says he had a similar problem with an old Ford Comet and that it was a design flaw with that car -- not something that could be fixed by a trip to the mechanic...

So I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem with a Caribean and, if so, how they solved it....

[stevenl]

For lack of a better idea: unbalance in the wheels?

[phuketsub]

For lack of a better idea: unbalance in the wheels?

That is what I initially suspected, but right after I bought it (50,0000 baht) I took it to the Suzuki repair shop and asked them to check the alignment and they said it was ok...

[Kimera]

I have what is a potentially dangerous problem with my 1996 SJ413...(aka White Caribean)

The other day as I was racing to get though the yellow light Central Intersection Intersection (heading south on the bypass) the old jalopy started to vibrate violently from side-to-side, and continued to do so until I came to almost a complete stop..

This is not a mild vibration, but closer to 'space shuttle on a bad re-entry' type stuff...very bad. I was lucky there were no other cars around me.

This has happened to me 2-3 times before over the 6-8 months I have owned it, and it doesn't always have to be at a very high speed to set it off.

A buddy of mine says he had a similar problem with an old Ford Comet and that it was a design flaw with that car -- not something that could be fixed by a trip to the mechanic...

So I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem with a Caribean and, if so, how they solved it....

You can get this problem on many 4 wheel drives, it will be wear or alignment problems on steering, chassis or transmisson, front axle best place to start cv / ball joints etc is it bent ?