Overview of the Suzuki Grandvitara
Suzuki's largest off-roader debuted in 1998, replacing the Vitara released exactly a decade earlier. Still relatively compact, its shrunken-4WD styling wasn't just for looks - the Grand Vitara was effective off the beaten track. A new-generation launched in 2005 continued a choice of three- and five-door body styles but the all-new design introduced independent suspension all round and a permanent four-wheel-drive system with a dual-range transfer case. There was a substantial upgrade in 2008, while a two-wheel-drive variant emerged in 2012.
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA GENERATIONS (SINCE 1998)
1998-2005
2005 on
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.4L 4-cylinder (current engine): 8.7 to 9.9 litres per 100km
1.9L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 6.8 to 7.0 litres per 100km
3.2L V6: 10.5 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or six months, whichever is sooner, up to five years (or 100,000km). Each service currently costs about $269. Suzuki Grand Vitara parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan X-Trail
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: SUZUKI GRAND VITARA (2008 ONWARDS)
The V6 and turbo diesel engine options on the Grand Vitara seem pretty tough.
The exception can be the 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder which needs a close check before purchase. The problem historically has been a batch of crook engines that cracked either the cylinder block or the cylinder head.
If the problem is the latter, check the oil for signs of milkiness suggesting the coolant has mixed with it (via the crack). For a cracked block, the giveaway is a dribble of coolant near the oil filter housing.
A faulty tensioner in the power-steering belt system has also been identified. If it fails, the belt can jump ship and you'll lose steering assistance. The car will still steer but will need much greater input from the driver.
Make sure the manual Suzuki changes gears smoothly and positively, too, as some examples have showed up with flawed selector shafts.
