ShnogDog replied:

Scoey,

my first car was a Suzuki Stockman LJ80. It had a 1000cc sierra motor and big tyres and had been converted to a soft top. Otherwise it was pretty well stock. It was an absolute cracker. It copped a hell of a flogging, and proved to be quite a capable little offroader. Was brilliant in the sand.

I'd imagine the Sierra's would be much the same. My next car was a Vitara. It was a lot better on the road, and also great on the beach, although I felt that the clutch was a little light, and wouldnt have stood up to the same punishment I dished out to the Stockman.

If its mainly beach work and the rest on road, You might want to look at a Vitara. Just that little bit more room etc. Much better handling on road. Not as easy to roll as a Sierra.

Never driven a Jimny so cant comment on them.

Good luck

BenSpoon replied:

working on a sierra is more like working on a car than a 4by- parts are smaller and more delicate, but still strong. A mate blew his clutch on the beach and changed it on the spot- no jacks needed to drop the box etc. Because of their weight they seem to spend more time with their wheels off the ground than on, or that could just be the drivers.
Parts- theres that many that end up on their sides that running gear shouldnt be a prob, and they are looked after by most aftermarket 4by shops.

Scoey replied:

Thanks for the advice! Yep their tendancy to roll was about the only thing I was aware of.

GaryInOz (Vic) replied:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Suzuki_4WD_Club/

All the answer you could need, from stock, through mild, to wild.