Gen 2 Vitaras & Jimnys - experiences/thoughts?

[bang-thud-thump]

Gidday

I have been looking at Jimnys or 2nd Gen Vitaras.

A Jimny might be too small for us and not great on the highway. Need to drive one.

Ultimately Id like to be able to sleep in it when away and Im over 6ft so probably answered myself here.

There doesnt seem to be many of the later Vitaras on here.

Anyone owned one or have any experiences with them?

I figure they would be good.

Cheers

[kernels]

When you say 2nd gen vitaras, do you mean post 2005 ? In 2006 they went from being a chassis + body with Solid rear axle to 'unibody' construction with independent suspension all round.

They newer ones are probably much nicer to drive on the road, but I would personally never buy a unibody 4wd, waste of time.

[bang-thud-thump]

Around 2002 on. I didnt realise they changed to unibody.
So pre 2005 is a real 4x4 then? Ill hunt on the net.

Cheers for that.

[kernels]

Yes, I don't know much about jimnys, but for Vitaras they used basically the same suspension setup until the shape changed in 2005. My next one is likely to be a 05 turbo diesel and then drive that long term.

It's too bad they gave in and turned it into a soft roader.

[strx7]

Very late 1997 was the first of the grand vitara shaped vehicles, they produced them through to 2004 but you will find some first regd early 2006.

[bang-thud-thump]

Cool.

Anyone owned one or know of one for a review?

Most of my driving will be on road and Im not after a dedicated 4x4 currently. see if the bug bites later on.

I drove an 04 2.0L today - 3dr. Seemed ok but was on road only.

Looks like enough room for me to take away and maybe rig up a bed if needed. Would take a bit of time jimmying up a platform - Im lanky.

[Gustravo]

I have 2004 Grand Vitara SWB 1.6L with a calmini 2.5" lift kit. With vitara's 1998 to 2004 the CV joints are always moving whether you are in 4WD or 2WD, so check the righthand inner CV for lateral movement and oil leaks. This being said purchasing free wheeling front hubs is a must regardless or wether you intend 4wd or not. Without freewheeling front hubs you simply will use more gas and wear out CV's more quickly than the older model Vitaras. My Vitara is very capable to a point with the size of the wheels catching up with it. A short wheel vitara is too small to sleep in the back unless you are a drawf.

[northdude]

i was lookn at 3 door vitaras but ended up getting a 5 door 93 im glad i got the 5dr now as a friend got a 3dr around the same time he recons his is a pita as you cant fit more than a kids lunch box in it once youve got a couple of mates in it i use mine to get into hunting spots not hard core 4wding and its perfect i just did a suspension lift and some at tyres

[bang-thud-thump]

Cheers for that. Im going for a LWB now for the same reasons. Im also 6" + so need the room.