Need info on Geo Trackers please

[oilpan49]

We recently sold our van so now were looking for something else as a run around car. It doesn't need to be anything fancy but decent trunk space would be nice too. We've been considering a later model Focus but alot of them around here are driven, used and abused.

Were not really particular about what it is since it will only be a run around car, mostly city stuff, short trips etc... My neighbor has a 97 Tracker 4x4 for sale. It's a cool looking little thing, very well cared for and it only has 30K miles on it. Simply because he just never used it much and he is retired. My Dad drove it today and from his review it seems to be a straight up Tracker. There's nothing mechanically wrong with the tracker nor cosmetically if your wondering why the low miles. What does everyone think of these Trackers?? I don't know much about trackers and I've never gave them much thought. If you own one yourself or know somebody that does have one I do have some questions.

Is it a solid vehicle for you/someone you know?

Do they require alot of maintence?

Any known problems with these?

How well do the ragtops hold up?? The tracker we looked at today is a ragtop and it is held down with clamps, zippers and velcro.

Is the 4x4 system solid?? Known problems here??

I'll be reading some reviews over at edmonds and see what people think of them over there. Thanks,,,,,AR

 

[Chris142]

Every one I've ever seen had a worn out top. Yellow windows etc.

It will ride like crap on the street.

Good luck finding parts on a Sunday afternoon.

If the price is right I'd buy it. Should have 100K left in it still if it doesn't ever get overheated.

 

[Al]

I have them called Trashers if thats any help

. But seriously I'll be watching this post also..I'm curious. Is there any discussion about them on Edmunds Car Forum?? Also I would think there would be some other forums on the subject.

 

[John D]

A co-worker has a Tracker (I believe it is a '97). Last fall, he had to replace one of the front auto-locking hubs (for the 4WD). The part cost around $800 CDN (new -- there were no used ones to be found). Then, this spring, the one on the other side went. Other than that, I don't think he had any problems with it.

 

[Matt_S]

Geo Tracker = Suzuki Samurai (for what that's worth).

The thing that strikes me is the ride. If you buy it, you'd better start finding out where all the restrooms are located on your planned routes.

 

[Drew99GT]

Tracker = Suzuki Side kick. It'll be underpowered and slow, that's for sure! Probably fairly reliable. Ride quality........never mind. But for a run around car that's cheap, I'd say its not a bad find. It'll go through snow and get good mileage.

 

[Matt_S]

quote:

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Originally posted by Drew99GT:
Tracker = Suzuki Side kick.

---

You're right, my bad.

 

[JHZR2]

A friend of my father's had one. Claimed it was total crap.

That said, as far as the underpowered, etc., etc. goes, I go down to the USVI quite a bit, as my GF is originally from there, and she goes back to visit her parents. The hills are SEVERE, but you never go much more than 45 mph. There are an abundance of suzukis, lots of trackers, sideckicks, samurais, even a few daihitsu rockys (my GF actually had one of these down there before she went off to college). All seem to do well enough, and for as top heravy as they look, it does not seem like many tip over.

If there is a good deal and it has low miles, Id say go for it. There is some value to buying a known quantity, so if it has books, reconds, etc, its even better.

JMH

 

[motorguy222]

I used to work with a girl that had a 2-wheel drive version.

She never had any trouble with it.

Go to:

http://www.epinions.com/search/?sub...arch_vertical=2522317&searchbar_submit=Search

These are ratings from actual owners of the Tracker.

You can check several years worth of them.

 

[JHZR2]

yeah, 2wd is much simpler, adn likely would get rid of 25%+ of the parts that could potentially go bad in the driveline.

Given the number of miles, etc., perhaps the best question is, how well does the 4wd system work?

JMH

 

[Flimflam]

I have a 1998 Sidekick (not the ragtop), bought in 1/1999. No problems. I believe I posted a used oil analysis in BITOG somewhere. It has 51,000 miles on it now. Had fairly good luck with it.

It is still on original tires. I'm gonna get new tires for it soon.

People say they are underpowered, but I think mine is powerful and fast.

I'd recommend Sidekicks/Trackers any day.

 

[shortyb]

Hope its not a purple one, they are possessed

.

My wife used to have one. No problems per se but really was a hateful little car. Noisy, harsh ride, no power, crappy brakes etc. We use donated vehicles at our academy track for "rabbit" cars and had one a few years ago. It rolled on the first time out. Its now a permanant convertable but no one drives it.

 

[TN Tracker]

I have a '96 Tracker, A/C, Automatic, 4x4, 114,000 miles. Never had a bit of trouble from it and it has been ridden hard and put up wet many times. It may seem underpowered to some but it's not a sports car. The 4 wheel drive system is very reliable unless pushed too hard on the trail and I get an average of 23 mpg no matter how it's driven. I've never had a problem getting parts but to be honest all it's needed is regular maintenance.

If you decide to buy here is a great source Tracker/Sidekick information.

Zukiworld Forum