From experience I can say the Vitara's are a pretty good little 4x4, much more capable than people give them credit off road and fairly good on it. They cost next to nothing to buy and run, spares are very easy to come by and I dont recall mine costing a lot to insure. They do suffer with rust around the wheel arches, especially the ones with extended arches and also head gasket failure. You can get a decent engine for about £100 if needed, chassis wont fail you either. From 1992 (ISH) they were (single point) fuel injected, multi point from 1995 so no messing with carbs and better fuel economy. They are light weight but dent easily. Fairly comfy on a long run too but not great for carrying people and baggage combined. Grand Vitara's are fairly good as well plus you can get diesel and auto but only 5 door (early ones) and generally going for about £1300 / £1500 for a decent one with Tax & MOT - in which case the Pagero is an excellent alternative. A friend of mine has just bought one for £1000 - 2.8 engine, auto, elec everything, air con etc. It looks pretty tough and its not much worse on fuel than his diesel, auto Grand Vitara!
Hope this helps, Jon.
Hope this helps, Jon.