Suzuki Vitara - Yay or Nay

Bawnmore

Exactly what it says on the tin. Looking at a 93 Suzuki Vitara JLX SE on Thursday and want to know what to look out for. Rust? Pitfalls with this make/model?

Not a huge purchase but don't want it to go balls up after a week or so.

So........ what are the strengths/weaknesses of the Suzuki Vitara???

CharlieCroker

not the best yoke out there in terms of driving quality but afaik, the mechanicals in them are pretty good. still see a good few older ones floating around the place.
Wouldn't be my cuppa tea but its your money and if you like them, drive on.

Obviously, do all the normal checks like getting a mechanic to look at it, check for any off-road damage or wear and buy the best you can afford.

Saab Ed

Watch out for a tiny miss-fire ( sounds like it might just need a service ). They used to crack heads and the first sign of this was the little miss. Owners would try everything to fix them i.e new plugs, sensors etc but to no avail and then they'd end up on the market. After that if memory serves me they are a right solid little yoke. One of the best bits about them is the'll leave most so called 4 by 4's for dead in real off road conditions. Stick it in low box with any kind of semi off road tyres and watch it leave Landcruisers and Range Rovers for dead up a steep ravine.

BeardyGit

They're thirsty enough yokes - 1.6 petrol drinks a bit more than you might expect, and the 2L diesel is a rare enough yoke (although desirable enough for someone needing a small commercial...think it's a Pug engine)

Nippy enough about the place, but make sure you properly check the transmission to make sure it's not sloppy, everything works etc. Make sure the 4WD is working, along with low and high box etc. What you're looking at might be cheap, but fixing it won't be on the labour front. There's a good breaker down in Kerry (advertises in the buy and sell) that can supply whatever parts you might need.

Check the tyres to make sure they're all in good condition - These usually run 15" rims - Again ensure they're a complete set and check the spare to see it matches. If you're going to replace the tyres after buying one, a good set of All Terrains will make for a capable and fun offroader.

Take the time to have a good look around the door and window seals to make sure they're not brittle or torn - Mine were and cost a good few quid to put right...

Lastly, the rear loadspace in the SWB is crap. If you're carrying 4 people in it, you'll have about the same space in the boot as on a Cinqucento or an original Mini....It's tiny. Don't know what your circumstances are, but forget about a buggy, nappy bag and a few bits of shopping fitting there anyway! Forget about a roofbox or rack - They're too short and tall enough as it is without putting any weight up there...

Also, consider the safety - I flipped mine on the M50 after becoming victim to a hit and run and managed to get out alive....but not my much. You'll see the roof caved in....hit me in the head....and broke the back of the seat. Considering their reputation (whether deserved or not) for rolling over, my experience made me reconsider what I replaced it with.

A great fun little car, but be sure you know what you're getting into.

2 Espressi

Drove my sister's 5dr a few times, terrible on road, but great fun off it! I think the rear shocks were shot because it used to bounce a fair bit, the fat tyres didn't help much either!
Check sills and arches for rust, the lads above have covered pretty much everything else.

Bawnmore

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll make sure to have a good look around for the points mentioned and I have a mechanic organised to give it a good look over. Relation, so not costing an arm and a leg either!

Cheers for the tips Gil_Dub, on the economy, what mpg would she average out in day to day use? And glad to hear you walked away from the accident, looks nasty!