Vitara VS Vitara - Round One - FIGHT!

Howdy folks.

My beloved Focus Estate is now officially out of test and tax. I reckon it needs new pads and tyres. I also was told when I was buying it (approx 6 months ago) that it's brake lines were rusting and would need treating. I can get them covered with hammerite to try and fool the NCT, but if the NCT lads pick up on them rusting, then it's about €90 per side to have sorted. Also a few bulbs gone in it.

Ultimately, I can only assume that getting it sorted and tested will cost me about €500 or so, including the cost of the test.

I love the look of the Nissan Pathfinder. However, I ain't paying no 1k+ tax per year, and if I opt for commercial (which is what I'd rather, as I rarely have passengers, and I am self employed), i have to cancel my insurance and start again (6 months into this policy, all paid for already).


So I also like the look of the Grand Vitara. I viewed this one today:


http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/suzuki-grand-vitara-diesel-4wd/9621875?offset=2


and it seemed to be running okay. The long NCT is working in my favour (i've been driving 2.5 years and had 4 cars, and I know that whenever the NCT looms, i'll end up swapping again.. but this constant changing of cars, whilst a bit of fun, is not sensible financially, so a 2 year NCT bodes well as I know I'll keep it for 2 years).

The downsides were that the grill at the front was damaged, the left wing mirror cover was missing, back bumper seemed to be sitting a tad 'wide' on the body (barely noticeably, but stuck out a tad on both sides. probably be sorted by pulling it off and re-fitting it, i'd say).

The air-con needs re-gassing too (not sure I trust that, though). Out from that, the usual scuffs took place on the bodywork. All in all, i'd happily buy it, but only at a price that the seller would probably find insulting.



However, I also seen this boyo on DoneDeal..


http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/for-sale-grand-vitara-diesel/9747642?offset=1


I rang to see was it still available, but no answer, so left a voice mail. I presume it's still there as, to be fair, these Vitara's don't exactly sell like hot cakes. They're a big tax, generally considered clunky vehicle. Much like when I was selling my old Rav4, I think they appeal to very few people, so they take a while to shift on (or so it seems.. could be way off).


The one in the picture that I haven't yet seen looks nice, but I'm not sure about the colour. However, with the tints, etc. it looks nice and the side bars and push bar look quite well on it.


I know they're a poor seller in general, so I can haggle hard cos I know not too many will be falling over themselves to get to them (and, much like when I sold my Rav4, I doubt sellers will generally care about losing out on a couple of hundred if it means that the car is gone).


Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on either of these, or on Grand Vitara's of this age in general? Any observations or advice.

Cheers.

ba_barabus

Why not just sort the Focus?

Probably just boredom more than anything else, to be honest. Focus has been great, and it won't be sold (what'd be the point!?) but I like the look of the Vitara's and I wouldn't mind giving one of them a shot.

Bigus

ba_barabus wrote: »

Why not just sort the Focus?

+ 1

Google vitara engine problems, I know one irish Suzuki main dealer who won't even service them due to dodgy Diesel engines spontaneously imploding.

Do the Focus NCT early and get 15 months NCT. Navaras are alcoholics as are most 4x4 compared to a FOcus