Caribian Owners - What's Your Take?

[xylotrupes]

Hello Caribian owners

Looking into buying one, how would you rate yours in terms of:

- fuel efficiency

- usefulness around Bangkok

- comfort on longer drives to say, Kao Yai

- reliability as it ages (10years old +)

- safety (does it even have airbags?)

- off-road/rainy season usefulness

What I really want to know is if works as an "all-around" vehicle since I will drive it daily short distances in some traffic, and less often longer distances to national parks and so on.

Appreciate your opinions!

Michael

[monty]

Not really a brilliant vehicle. I've only driven the older models (the new are fuel injected the older had carburetor).

Underpowered (1,300 cc), top speed of around 100 kmh, no power left for take over maneuvers.

Horrible road holding, always scared the thing would flip on it's side when taking a curve a tad fast.

Horrible brakes.

Noisy as hel_l, very tiring on longer trips.

Poor fuel economy.

No safety feutures whatsoever apart from seat belts.Wouldn't want to be in one at an accident...

Apparently the best use for it is making it more off-road capable by means of modified suspension. I recall on the older ones was a differential lock, but had to engage it under the car at the actual differential

Wouldn't want one for free...

For a relatively low priced second hand car I would go for a Nissan NV....

[Cuban]

Not an owner, but been in a friend's one upcountry.

> fuel efficiency

Depends how you drive and what you consider 'good', his one had a 1.3 engine but I think he needed 'real' gas rather than the 10% alcohol "gasohol" stuff. It would be wise to check what fuel it takes.

> - usefulness around Bangkok

Only you know your requirements, do you needc to carry an empty load space with you or use taxis/bus etc? Look at engine overheating.

> - comfort on longer drives to say, Kao Yai

I remember trying to get more cold out of the air-con, the big windows allow the inside to warm nicely when sitting in the sun!

> - reliability as it ages (10years old +)

A well maintained vehicle will always be better than one that is not.

> - safety (does it even have airbags?)

I doubt it. It's a small cheap almost SUV (?) In a high speed impact with a tree, my money is on the tree.

> - off-road/rainy season usefulness

They are very popular in Thailand with the off-road groups, very much an entry level off-roader, many clubs and parts availible. A Google would pull up pictures of club events.

[angiud]

Not really a brilliant vehicle. I've only driven the older models (the new are fuel injected the older had carburetor).

Underpowered (1,300 cc), top speed of around 100 kmh, no power left for take over maneuvers.

Horrible road holding, always scared the thing would flip on it's side when taking a curve a tad fast.

Horrible brakes.

Noisy as hel_l, very tiring on longer trips.

Poor fuel economy.

No safety feutures whatsoever apart from seat belts.Wouldn't want to be in one at an accident...

Apparently the best use for it is making it more off-road capable by means of modified suspension. I recall on the older ones was a differential lock, but had to engage it under the car at the actual differential

Wouldn't want one for free...

For a relatively low priced second hand car I would go for a Nissan NV....

I had a Caribian for 4 years and I can confirm 90% what you write here!

Useful for koh Phangan, but terrible on a highway. BTW good resale price

[culicine]

Not really for paved roads. My phD supervisor had one - travelled in it a few times. it was a great offroader as it was so light. However on the main road my old 1300 mini was much faster (his comment when he travelled in it:) Seems like an NV might be the way to go instead.

[xylotrupes]

Not really for paved roads. My phD supervisor had one - travelled in it a few times. it was a great offroader as it was so light. However on the main road my old 1300 mini was much faster (his comment when he travelled in it:) Seems like an NV might be the way to go instead.

Any particular reason you favor the Nissan NV?

I'm not crazy about the look. Then again Caribian may only be popular here cos it looks "neato".

Cheers

[imaneggspurt]

A bit like a dirt bike, great off road, <deleted> on tarmac, but these things can be a ball if you like to venture off road, i have been places where my buddy with a factory range rover could not get, but for leggy tarmac ,forget it, unless you are in no hurry and are a masocist !

[monty]

Any particular reason you favor the Nissan NV?

Relatively cheap, light, powerful 1600 cc engine for the light frame resulting in very good economy when driven sensibly.

Quite a few on the roads so pretty easy and cheap to maintain.

Much more comfortable to be in then the Suzuki, drives like a proper sedan.

That was actually another point I forgot, the Suzuki needs an over sized radiator, they tend to overheat easily since you are really pushing the little engine very hard most of the times, just by getting around!

[Cuban]

The NV is a two door car, lower tax rating. Rear load space is enough for some transport of 'stuff', Carryboy etc do custom load space covers for the NV. Small rear seat OK for small people or shopping, I think some call it a pre-family car. I remember driving one as a rental for a week or so once, it was a bit basic for my liking but was very very cheap rental.

[culicine]

Not really for paved roads. My phD supervisor had one - travelled in it a few times. it was a great offroader as it was so light. However on the main road my old 1300 mini was much faster (his comment when he travelled in it:) Seems like an NV might be the way to go instead.

Any particular reason you favor the Nissan NV?

I'm not crazy about the look. Then again Caribian may only be popular here cos it looks "neato".

Cheers

See above:) other posters beat me to it. As new, they are cheap and seemingly reliable. 1.6 should be plenty powerful enough in a small car like this. Suitable for 2 people who need to carry stuff. perhaps for a family it wouldn't be so good.

[Gary A]

They are way under powered so the little 1.3 liter engine has to work too hard and the fuel economy suffers. It is not a very good Bangkok vehicle because the turning radius is too large for some U turns. They will beat you to death on a trip and are not real stable.

That said, I had one and had more fun with it than with any other car I ever owned. It was quite dependable. I always had my own parking place in Bangkok. There was a small space at the back of a building that had a high curb. I would put it in four wheel drive low range and climb that curb easily. It was a perfect parking place for the Suzuki.

[Sakeopete]

I have a Fortuner, Yaris and Caribian Sporty, the Caribian is my favorite. I agree with what the above posters have said about its faults but it is kinda like a Harley not refined but plenty of fun man handling it.

[JimsKnight]

Been in a buddies (a video of it zooming about Mae Sa Valley is on youtube/livevideo somewhere) and it was almost as good as a landrover defender offroading. They are not a car folks, its an offroader with plenty of heart and character. Why you'd want one for flatland bangkok is beyond me mate, unless you are gunning for exclusive parking areas and being an individual (which is cool).

They are fairly comfortable from what I recall but then I'm used to being in offroaders having served 6.5 years in the forces

[LeungKen]

If you have the choice between a Caribian and a buffalo, take the buffalo.

The buffalo handles better, it gives a more comfortable ride and is even more reliable off-road.

[Gary A]

If you have the choice between a Caribian and a buffalo, take the buffalo.

The buffalo handles better, it gives a more comfortable ride and is even more reliable off-road.

I disagree, you have to feed the buffalo every day whether you use him or not. The Suzuki will sit happily for many weeks or even months at a time without being fed.

[Sakeopete]

Quite right Gary A and the only parasites you need to pick off the Suzuki are the in-laws, and you do have a choice whether to let them attach or not in the first place.

[stingray]

Quite right Gary A and the only parasites you need to pick off the Suzuki are the in-laws, and you do have a choice whether to let them attach or not in the first place.

I think the parasites are not interested on the carrrbbean. They want brand new VIGO or D- MAX. Anyway my little expirience:

The Caribbean is a very simple but good car. Easy to maintenance, parts are very cheap, car underpowered but is strong. It have a 'real chassis". You can change the engine very easly to a 1.6 liter from the Vitara (not expensive) and so it is not underpowered anymore. I done this onece. I shortened the body and chassis, 30 cm, in the front of the rear axle, take off the hard top installed a soft top istead, put rollbars, safari bumpers, spotlights and fitted a 1.6 liter Vitara engine with a 5 speed gearbox and 4x4 in the car. It was almost a rocked, very fun to drive. Of corse Caribeans are not for High speed, but very good for bad road conditions. If you like to "play with off road cars on limited budged" buy a carribbean and you'll have a lot of fun for not much money.

[xylotrupes]

Out of curiosity

Around how much to replace with a 1.6 vitara engine? Think any 4X4 places might have one already like this?

I know it's not practical but they are cool.

[stingray]

Out of curiosity

Around how much to replace with a 1.6 vitara engine? Think any 4X4 places might have one already like this?

I know it's not practical but they are cool.

It's already a while ago, when i bought the engine complete inclouding gearbox and 4x4 unit for 12'k. It was a carburetor one, so easy to instal, no troubles with electronic things. but i'm quite sure today they are more expensive. You have to go an explore in Bang Na. but as i sayd: the fun was because i modifized the car like a samuray. I cut out the chassis frame just before the rear axle about 30 cm.

[endure]

I've only ever driven 2 and they both felt as though the steering wheel had been disconnected from the front wheels

[stingray]

I've only ever driven 2 and they both felt as though the steering wheel had been disconnected from the front wheels

No, they aren't that bad. This happens only when you rent them from a Cheap Charly Car Rental Company which never do any maintenance and repairs on the front end or suspensions after 10 years of renting time.

[jeepholt]

In the year 2000 what I did was found an old Suzuki Caribbean chassis (1988 model), stripped it out completely, and then:

extended the body about 12 inches

made big front and rear 5/8 th inch steel bumpers (rear with trailer hitch)

put channel iron 3/8 th inch all around it

both the above steel reinforcements are to catch Thai motorcycles! and to make it less prone to rollover.

made the front grill look like a Jeep Cherokee

made a new hood in order to accommodate the bigger engine

raised the roof (so my big head would fit inside better)

put in custom made bucket seats

put in two bucket seats behind and made them removable (wing nuts)

Put in Suzuki Vitara 1600 CC engine complete with drive train and auto transmission

that is electronic ignition and fuel injected

made big side windows

put in new air conditioner

put in another radiator for the auto transmission - air con

put in power steering

put in power brakes

customized the dash and put in a tachometer

put in customized console to accommodate auto trans

installed heavy duty suspension

put on big off road tires

mag wheels

customized 2 tone metal flake paint (about 35,000 baht worth)

installed alarm system

left in the stock front wheel lock out hubs and differential (4 wheel drive)

put in all new headliner

carpeted interior

matched seat covers with side door panels

made rear door one unit (reinforced) with spare tire mount

put in numerous extra exterior lights

That is about all I can remember about the major modifications and installations. As you can well imagine, all this didn't go without having some problems in the shake-down/snap-in period. Had no major problems with the suspension, drive train or engine. Did have some electrical problems and a bunch of minor fixes. Right now, all that I know is wrong with it is that the windshield washer reservoir is cracked and needs replaced, and I don't think I will ever be able to get the speedometer working properly with the new suspension and drive train and big wheels. After the first about 4 months with no problems I had intermittent problems with the engine stalling. The Thai mechanics messed around with it and it ran fine again for 3 months. Then it stalled again 3 times. Had different Thai mechanics work on it and so far has been running fine for the past 7 or 8 years.

Hasn't been in any accidents that would hurt the frame, only motorcycles hitting it while parked in the street. The motorcycles and riders come out much worse for the wear!

I have added up the major expenses I have spent building it, and it comes out in the region of 325,000 Baht 8 years ago. One hel_l of a lot of work went into building it, and I have tried to put the best stuff in it I could. It passes the Thai emission tests with flying colors. I have the real and proper registration books for it. The insurance for the first year cost about 16,000 baht for full insurance and with no claims has gone down to approximately 9,000 baht. The reason it was so high to begin with is because I didn't have any insurance records for the 2 years prior. The reason I put in the alarm system is because in Thailand on a 4 wheel drive vehicle without alarm system, if it is stolen the insurance company will only pay 1/2 the value. The reason it requires the emission tests annually is because the chassis (therefore the book) is listed as 1988, therefore being beyond the 7 year cutoff, regardless that the engine is brand new. I don't know if that alarm requirement still applies now?

We haven't put on very many kilometers on it at all over the years as my wife only used it for about 2 years to go on the weekly hash runs to sell hot dogs for her charity about 6 years ago. I would estimate it has probably in the range of 20,000 K on it at the max.

It has been a dependable and cheap vehicle for the past 8 years, and it is still a head turner. It still has the original lock out hubs for the 4 wheel drive, and automatic with power steering and brakes. We hardly ever use it anymore since we have to walk to far to where we have to park it since they have built buildings all around my place in the past few years and there is no parking anywhere near me anymore. I think we may even sell it come to think of it since we don't use it hardly at all. PM me if interested, I am located in Pattaya. I will also put this in the classified section to see if anyone may be interested. I hope these photos come out OK!

[angiud]

Gulp

[rixalex]

Not sure what shocked me the most... was it the amount of time, effort and money you put into a vehicle like that... or was it the size of that sausage? Both impressive in their own ways...

[selftaopath]

I have a Fortuner, Yaris and Caribian Sporty, the Caribian is my favorite. I agree with what the above posters have said about its faults but it is kinda like a Harley not refined but plenty of fun man handling it.

Is there any way of getting more power from this slow vehicles? How a/b putting more carbs on it. I have a 1994. On the road it is so so so slow. But enjoyed driving in on the beach :-)

Thanks in advance for the "wrench" advice.

[stingray]

I have a Fortuner, Yaris and Caribian Sporty, the Caribian is my favorite. I agree with what the above posters have said about its faults but it is kinda like a Harley not refined but plenty of fun man handling it.

Is there any way of getting more power from this slow vehicles? How a/b putting more carbs on it. I have a 1994. On the road it is so so so slow. But enjoyed driving in on the beach :-)

Thanks in advance for the "wrench" advice.

Mahe sure the carbu works properlly and the timing (ignition) is set up correct. You can try to replace larger jets in the carbu I had a 1.6 vitara wich had a 2 barrel carburetos. I think it could be the same as on the carribean, because the engine block is the same. One day one barrel (Jet) not work any more tnd the vehicle lost power in acceleration. So see from the top and make sure both jets are spraying gasoline during the acceleration. another cheap trick is to set up a electircal switch on the trottle body, wich diconnect the air con copmressor during the acceleration. Easy to do, many cars have this option from the factory. You get at least 10% more power. One more thing is, you could relace the eingine fan with electircal ones, so you gain again maybe 3 or 4% power. Maybe a Exhoust header kit will do another 3%. Make sure your air filter is clean and not black. Make sure your engine not get to warm. The temperature gauges should not show more than 30%. If it's running warmer as supose to be, you gonna lose power again. Maybe change for a 2 core radiator, if necessary. So all together i guess you are beable to gain at least about 15 to 20% more power. from this little engine, without spending a fortune. Another and better option is to swap with the vitara engine and gearbox, but this gonna cost a little bit money and time. But this gonna be fun for driving.