Suzuki vitara: opinions good and bad!

[jojo]

I am thinking about getting one of them, only because I need a new car and I have just seen one, under 1000, so I am not expecting miracles. Anyone has experience of these, reliability, ease of maintenance,costs of parts, that sort of things. Comments much appreciated

 

[leon-1]

I am thinking about getting one of them, only because I need a new car and I have just seen one, under 1000, so I am not expecting miracles. Anyone has experience of these, reliability, ease of maintenance,costs of parts, that sort of things. Comments much appreciated

Neil1 has owned a couple of them so I only know them as a passenger, but when I speak to him next I'll point him in the direction of this thread if he doesn't find it himself.

 

[jojo]

Thanks Leon, I appreciate it. Its a J reg, got 5 month tax, 11 months MOT and its 675 pounds, does not look too bad from the outside. Not sure about the fat tyres on it though! I'll go an have another look tomorrow.

 

[beachlover]

Had one for 7 years now as the first car ( - The other is a Landy ) We are delighted with it. No dramas, no mad bills, no beakdowns and looks good for many more years yet. Only real drawback is no room in the back even with the seats down. Regular service and consumables only so far.

 

[Bernie Garland]

If its a good one JoJo you can't go wrong,when stalking in Scotland my mate up there swears by them,been up some tracks in two wheel you wouldn't believe,i get around the country a bit and need a big motor,i run a pajero but if i didn't go so far I'd have one,for the price you just can't go wrong.

Bernie

 

[Prophecy]

Good quality jeeps - low MPG though. And of course you'll need two hands on the wheel when there's even the slightest breeze...

 

[Toddy]

I bought a Suzuki Ignis a month ago and after I bought it I asked the salesman, "Okay, I've bought it now, are there likely to be any problems ?" and he shrugged and said, "It's a Suzuki, there's nothing to go wrong", and offered to extend the manufacturers warranty for the time I have the car for a one off £395 even after I told him that usually I keep a car until it's dead. The warranty even covers structural rust damage, only the usual spares, like tyres and filters, are excluded.
I reckoned that meant he meant what he's said about Suzuki......wish I'd gottten it for under a grand though

cheers,
M

 

[Jedadiah]

Mate of mine got one, it was a hard top 5 door and it failed the MoT. Under the plastic bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch extensions, the metal body had rotten through. It looked like the plastic would not allow it to escape so it just rusted through. The sills when as well and there was nothing to weld new ones to. He decided to get another so he could use it as a donor but everyone he looked at was exactly the same.

It appears that good ones are hard to find, but when people do have a good one, they don't want to sell it! Just make sure you get underneath with a torch and screw driver and be aware of any new underseal. Pay particular attention to sills, wheel arches, cross members behind plastic bumpers, and the area where the 'A' post meets the front wing, probably underneath the inner wing and bonnet. Check carpet for dampness and stains and don't be afraid of prodding around with your screw driver. If it's a solid car, there will be nothing to fear, but it's best to find out before handing over your dosh.

 

[Doc]

I've got a 9 year old Suzuki Jimny that costs peanuts to run - nothing has ever actually gone wrong, and the only costs have been servicing and consumables like tyres and exhausts.

J reg is pretty old though. I think you'd want to have a very careful look at it.

The Vitara is pretty capable off road.

 

[a12jpm]

Body rot is the big problem with these. I was aland rover man for years (sIIa then SIII and Defender) then went to Vitara. Went everywhere the Landys did on the shoot as long as its got the right tyres on it, but much more "road freindly". Binned mine a couple of years ago and bought a L200 for the dogs and stuff for the shoot. MOT fail due to rot on top and under.

As with all these things buy a £600 car expect to get 6-12 months out of it without a major prob. Anything else is a bonus. Most of all enjoy it and make sure you get it nice and muddy!!!

 

[firebreather]

I have one and its great apart from the fuel costs. they run about 25 to the gallon and max out at 30 ish on a run if you keep the speed down. Saying that they are just bomb proof and dead easy to repair if you have a few spanners and a bit of knowledge. i had to replace the radiator on mine earlier this year and it was the easiest repair i have ever had to do.
If they did more MPG they would be the best car ever as i have battered mine off road when you get used to the driving style they are ok on the road too.
Have a good look around underneath and if its ok then get it and have some fun with it.

Greg