Advice on Buying a Vitara

[JohnnyR]

Hi
I want to buy a Vitara and I would appreciate some advice. I want it for hunting, not hard out 4wding, but definately rougher than metal roads.
The older Vitaras seem to be genuine 4WD's but the more recent ones seem to be a little lower and more car-like.

What would you recommend? And what engine size? They seem to range from 1600 to 2.5 lites. And I see there are a few diesels around. Would you recommend them?

Many thanks

JR

[Mintie]

In my opinion the one to get is the 4 door 1600 pre 96 ish. And I did My use is pretty much the same as yours. Ive had to tidy up a few things on it but in general it does what its made to do very well.

[Mintie]

Make sure it's the 16v one and that it has extractors on it, even better if it's a 2 1/2" exhaust back from the extractors.

Where are you based? There are a lot of escudo/vitara owners on here and I'm sure someone would be happy to show you their truck

[churchill]

Not sure about the 1600's but here are some things to watch out for on the V6:

-2.0 V6, noisy timing chain, will need replacing. 2.5's are supposed to be ok.
-Leaky RH front inner CV, will need a bush and new seal fitted
-Switches seem to fail early, head light full beam/dip, door switches, reverse etc.
-Front and rear crank seals.
-Inner door handles seem to fail
-Power window switches crap out
-Auto freewheeling hubs are ok but manuals are better

That's all I can think of for now.

[JohnnyR]

Thanks for the advice.

Do I have to go back pre 1996? It's a long time ago and finding a good vehicle is possibly going to be difficult (I'm guessing). Are there any more recent models that are genuine 4WD's? I have a Subaru Forester at the moment so I'm looking for something with harder suspension and higher clearance, particularly for river crossings. JR

[churchill]

The newer vitaras and grand vitaras are OK, they'll have things like abs and airbags which is good for safety but the 2.5 v6 is thirsty. Diesel might be the way to go if you economy. The new models also have nicer interiors. They also come with a low range gearing which is good off road. Watch the drive train as they're weak as, you'll break front diffs and rear axles with bigger tyres and too much throttle.

[churchill]

Suzuki's are cheap vehicles and there's reasons for it. The design and build quality is not as good as other manufacturers but if your willing to put up with that and treat them nicely off road you will struggle to get a more cost effective 4x4.