"Tractor" diary. Elgrand from Siberia. E50.

[ELSib]

Autumn greetings!
As I mentioned earlier, I had planned to buy a second family car—something big and diesel-powered. But instead, I decided to buy a small, cheap car.
I spent two weeks looking at options: a 2000 Nissan Bluebird (1.8L, 4WD), a 1992 Toyota Carib (4WD), a 1998 Toyota Carib (4WD), a 2001 Toyota Cami (4WD), a 1999 Subaru Lancaster (JDM) or Outback (Euro-spec), and a first-generation Subaru Forester.
The verdict? The Subarus were all "dead" yet expensive for the condition they were in (both the bodywork and those quirky boxer engines needed a complete overhaul).
As for the Caribs and Bluebirds—I refuse to sit with my backside practically on the asphalt; that’s just not for me.
The Cami? The cabin was barely wider than two stools—how does that even work? What’s the point?
So, I made an unconventional—and perhaps rather irrational—decision...
Meet the 1996 Suzuki Escudo:

New photo · Monday, Sep 14 📸

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photos.app.goo.gl

New photo · Sunday, Sep 13 📸

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photos.app.goo.gl

1.6L petrol engine, 3-door, with proper part-time 4WD.
It even has A/C, and it actually works (though it needs a Freon top-up).
All in all, it’s wounded but not dead. I’m waiting a week to get it registered in my name. After that, I need to get the mechanicals and the interior sorted out before winter. Then, in the winter (February or March), I’ll strip down my Elgrand and fully restore it by spring. Come summer, I’ll do a complete teardown and restoration of the Escudo. I plan to keep it stock—no big tires, just factory specs.

You wouldn't mind if I posted some work on the Escudo here, would you? Even though it’s not really relevant to the forum's topic...

 

[UK-Marine]

Go for it Boris..it’ll be enjoyable

 

[sg66]

I don't know where you find the time

 

[ELSib]

I don't know where you find the time

I’m really short on time for everything.
But! I divide my life into seasons. I handle necessary repairs (suspension and other small things) and oil changes after work, often staying late into the evening; these don't take much time, as I periodically check under the hood and the car throughout the month.Then there are scheduled repairs—like welding and other major jobs—which I plan for winter or early spring so the car is ready by summer. After all, spring and summer are times for working on the house, the yard, and the garden, as well as for trips; the car needs to be reliable and ready to go at a moment's notice.As for minor tasks—like reupholstering door panels—I just remove the trim and work on it at home at my own pace while watching a movie, enjoying the process. All in all, I try to plan and balance my workload and energy so I have enough time for the house and yard, my family, the car, and work. It doesn't always work out, but I give it a shot.

 

[sg66]

I’m really short on time for everything.
But! I divide my life into seasons. I handle necessary repairs (suspension and other small things) and oil changes after work, often staying late into the evening; these don't take much time, as I periodically check under the hood and the car throughout the month.Then there are scheduled repairs—like welding and other major jobs—which I plan for winter or early spring so the car is ready by summer. After all, spring and summer are times for working on the house, the yard, and the garden, as well as for trips; the car needs to be reliable and ready to go at a moment's notice.As for minor tasks—like reupholstering door panels—I just remove the trim and work on it at home at my own pace while watching a movie, enjoying the process. All in all, I try to plan and balance my workload and energy so I have enough time for the house and yard, my family, the car, and work. It doesn't always work out, but I give it a shot.

Your very good at it, I think I need to be more organised