Suzuki Grand Vitara

[thismonkeyhere]

Just about to buy a second car, although we as a family are set up in such a way that it will only do between 1k and 2k miles in a year. Obviously I should just get something small and cheap. However - Thinking to get a second 4x4 for when the big 4x4 is required by the wife and I can take it shooting. Also I just like 4x4s......

GV appears to offer excellent VFM - something around 10 years old and low mileage. Anyone have any experience with these? Reliabiltiy, longevity, capability etc? Any tips welcome.

Thanks!

[vikingaero]

I quite like these as they are a smart but conservatively styled car.

As with any Japanese car of advanced years, check the underside for rust. And it may not matter to you, but check the VED rates as Vitaras are on the whole thirsty and VED can be expensive.

[thismonkeyhere]

vikingaero said:

I quite like these as they are a smart but conservatively styled car.

As with any Japanese car of advanced years, check the underside for rust. And it may not matter to you, but check the VED rates as Vitaras are on the whole thirsty and VED can be expensive.

Thanks. What are your thoughts on the mechanicals?

I'm often a bit too fixated on low mileage over age, but wondering if a 2012 model on 100k+ is a safer bet than a 2007 on 55k.....

[anonymous-user]

A have the 2018 vitara and it is a very good car. A bloke at work has the GV and he loves it. Tows quite a bit around the place and very reliable. The fuel economy isn't brilliant though.

[thismonkeyhere]

pocketspring said:

A have the 2018 vitara and it is a very good car. A bloke at work has the GV and he loves it. Tows quite a bit around the place and very reliable. The fuel economy isn't brilliant though.

I should probably look at Vitaras also, bearing in mind that they stopped importing the GV in 2014 (I think.....). Would have to be 'Allgrip' though

Thirsty is ok. It's probably more economical than our other car, and it'll only be doing a low annual mileage anyway.

[anonymous-user]

thismonkeyhere said:

pocketspring said:

A have the 2018 vitara and it is a very good car. A bloke at work has the GV and he loves it. Tows quite a bit around the place and very reliable. The fuel economy isn't brilliant though.

I should probably look at Vitaras also, bearing in mind that they stopped importing the GV in 2014 (I think.....). Would have to be 'Allgrip' though

Thirsty is ok. It's probably more economical than our other car, and it'll only be doing a low annual mileage anyway.

The LY Vitara is holding its value very well. I've had mine just over a year and on AT, they're same price from an independent dealer to what I paid to a main dealer. The All Grip system is very good, have a look on YT at videos doing comparisons against other manufacturers 4WD systems. Owners tend to look after them as well.

[duckwhistle]

I have has several GV' s over the last 20 years. Good solid reliable cars. Not much to go wrong, easily serviced & repaired. I like the autos best (at my age) comfortable and nice to drive. My current one is a 2003 , Silver, 2Lt automatic with only 27000 ( yes 27K ) miles and one previous keeper. You are welcome to come and give it a try if you are within reach of the West of Glasgow ,near the Erskine Bridge. I looked long and hard for this one, classic 'one lady owner ' Had it steam cleaned and undersealed, new 4 WD pump fitted ,otherwise excellent. Watch out for 4wd problems if driven on dry roads in 4wd. The front diff has an air pressured clutch to engage the FWD ,this pump can fail but is easily replaced. Lots of info on the net from a large group of owners . Plenty of parts and help from Dacar Automotive if you are into diy. Declining health prevents me from using this as much as I would wish.

[Sc0tchland]

duckwhistle said:

I have has several GV' s over the last 20 years. Good solid reliable cars. Not much to go wrong, easily serviced & repaired. I like the autos best (at my age) comfortable and nice to drive. My current one is a 2003 , Silver, 2Lt automatic with only 27000 ( yes 27K ) miles and one previous keeper. You are welcome to come and give it a try if you are within reach of the West of Glasgow ,near the Erskine Bridge. I looked long and hard for this one, classic 'one lady owner ' Had it steam cleaned and undersealed, new 4 WD pump fitted ,otherwise excellent. Watch out for 4wd problems if driven on dry roads in 4wd. The front diff has an air pressured clutch to engage the FWD ,this pump can fail but is easily replaced. Lots of info on the net from a large group of owners . Plenty of parts and help from Dacar Automotive if you are into diy. Declining health prevents me from using this as much as I would wish.

It's funny, I'm on Pistonheads looking at random posts about Grand Vitaras, and here's someone just across the water from me in Bishopton / Erskine talking about Grand Vitaras, what a small world we live in.

[thismonkeyhere]

duckwhistle said:

I have has several GV' s over the last 20 years. Good solid reliable cars. Not much to go wrong, easily serviced & repaired. I like the autos best (at my age) comfortable and nice to drive. My current one is a 2003 , Silver, 2Lt automatic with only 27000 ( yes 27K ) miles and one previous keeper. You are welcome to come and give it a try if you are within reach of the West of Glasgow ,near the Erskine Bridge. I looked long and hard for this one, classic 'one lady owner ' Had it steam cleaned and undersealed, new 4 WD pump fitted ,otherwise excellent. Watch out for 4wd problems if driven on dry roads in 4wd. The front diff has an air pressured clutch to engage the FWD ,this pump can fail but is easily replaced. Lots of info on the net from a large group of owners . Plenty of parts and help from Dacar Automotive if you are into diy. Declining health prevents me from using this as much as I would wish.

Good stuff, thank you. I'm in Wiltshire, so sadly won't be able to take you up on your kind offer - but thanks!