Suzuki Grand Vitara Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

If you can't run to something like a Nissan X-Trail or a Land Rover Freelander, choose the Grand Vitara and you won't be disappointed. It's solidly built, well engineered and is a very capable yet understated vehicle. The diesel-engined version is the pick of the bunch and has the ability to leave far more esteemed 4x4s for dead off road. Recommended.

Overall:

Models Covered:(3/5dr compact 4x4 1.6, 2.0 petrol, 1.9 diesel [VVT, VVT+, X-EC])

GRAND STANDING

Although it has taken some time for the Suzuki Grand Vitara to divest itself of the wide-wheel and bodykit image Vitaras were saddled with in the early nineties, it's now a far more mature proposition. In fact, most would hardly believe it was spawned from the same bloodline. Whereas most budget compact 4x4s do nothing particularly well, the Grand Vitara is a true dual purpose tool, mixing a modicum of off-road ability with reasonable blacktop manners. Used examples are still very underrated.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale

History of the Grand Vitara

The post '98 generation Grand Vitara was an okay junior 4x4 but was never going to set the world alight. It was starting to feel very old by the mid Noughties and should have ideally been replaced a couple of years earlier. Still, better that Suzuki got its successor right than rush something to market that was half baked and the 2005 model year Grand Vitara was a revelation. More mature, better built and far bigger than its predecessor, it was a massive step forward.Available in both three and five door guise, the only fly in the ointment was a rather mix and match approach to body styles and engines and it wasn't until March 2007 that Suzuki teamed the 1.9 DDiS diesel engine with the chunky three-door body. Sales have been strong, many buyers realising that here is a vehicle with capabilities beyond the compact 4x4 norm.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale

Suzuki Grand Vitara Road Test

A trio of engines were lined up for UK buyers kicking off with a rather weedy 93bhp 1.6-litre offered in three-door guise. I'd be tempted to save a little extra and spring for one of the larger powerplants on offer. The petrol-engined five-door version gets a healthy 140bhp which uses a variable induction system to make the most of its 182Nm of torque. Some may find its 31mpg fuel consumption a little much for them, especially if a lot of urban journeys are on the cards. The pick of the range will doubtless be the 129bhp diesel, offered in both bodystyles, which uses a Renault-sourced 1.9-litre turbodiesel. Mated to a five speed manual gearbox as standard, those who tire of changing gear themselves can pay a little extra and land themselves a four-speed automatic 'box.The Grand Vitara is said to be far more capable in the rough than a Toyota RAV4 or a Honda CR-V and it's not difficult to see why. The four-wheel drive system is geared towards off-road rather than wet road traction and ground clearance is far better. The flipside of this is that the steering and chassis won't feel so responsive on road, but for many, this will be a more than acceptable trade off.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale

Buying a Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara is largely reliable, but as with most proper 4x4s, you'll need to check for damage caused by off road work. Have a good look at the underbody, and check the suspension, sills, ramp and departure points and also wheelarch liners for signs of damage. If you do plan on serious off roading your Grand Vitara, aftermarket lift kits and more aggressive tyres are a must. Also inspect the paintwork and body for damage from branches etc. It would also pay to reject cars with whining differentials, noisy gearboxes, a chattering set of valves or a loud camshaft, unless you plan to undertake the repairs. Other than this, just insist on a fully stamped up service history.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale

Suzuki Grand Vitara Typical Pricing

Grand Vitara prices start at just over £8,000 for a 2005 55-plated 1.6-litre three-door VVT. Go for the VVT+ five-door with this engine and you'll need around £8,500. This engine will struggle to pull a fully laden Grand Vitara with any great verve and I'd advise either a bigger petrol or a diesel unless funds are really tight. The 2.0-litre is a decent compromise with a manual five-door opening at around £9,600. The 1.9 DDiS diesel is the pick of the bunch and a five-door reflects this demand with prices hovering around £11,250 for the first of the 55 platers.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale

Suzuki Grand Vitara Parts

(approx based on a 2006 Grand Vitara 2.0) A new clutch assembly will be around £175, and a replacement headlamp is about £160. Front brake pads and rear brake shoes are both around £55 a pair, whilst a new radiator retails at £250. A new alternator is only slightly cheaper, whilst a new starter motor weighs in at a pricey £300.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale