[russgt]

Hi guys,

I am looking at a car for my niece. She really wants a little 4x4 and the suzuki's are the best in my opinion. I have been looking at Grand vitara's from 98-2005. Only want to spend upto about $5k.

There is one i have been looking at that has the J20A 2.0l 4cyl. Are these good engines? Or should i get her the 2.5l v6? Its her first car. I want it to be reliable but also reasonably capable in sand and off road. The one im looking at has a lift and stuff.

Here it is. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kingsley ... 1064914378

I am thinking i should get a V6 one.

Please let me know your thoughts.

[klutched]

I personally wouldn't get the 4 pot... I find myself wanting more power NOW even with the V6. This was my first car, love it, took it up the beach and to cruiser park stock no worries.

[Chop]

The only thing i would think about is, is she cashed up enough to wanna pay the gv fuel bill?
I know i wouldn't want that as my first car as a younger person on lowly wage!

[russgt]

Chop wrote:

The only thing i would think about is, is she cashed up enough to wanna pay the gv fuel bill?
I know i wouldn't want that as my first car as a younger person on lowly wage!

Yeah very good point! Hense why i have suggested suzuki's. She was looking at prado's or older hilux's.

I know my v6 gv get around 10-11L/100. Its no getz but its pretty good. Would the fuel usuage on the J20A be bad in a gv?

[henno]

The J20 is probably similar. Mine used to get around 9L/100 when stock, but it's a couple of hundred KG lighter than the LWB GVs.

With lift and tyres and roof tray etc it's more like 10-something now.

[russgt]

Thats still pretty good.

Does anyone know the reliablity of the J20A? Timing chain or belt?

[henno]

Chain.

And it's one of the better zook engines, from all reports.

[russgt]

Thanks mate!

[ZUZUKI]

As mentioned J20 is well regarded, chain & top end can get noisy if oil changes skipped.
Test both when new & noticed the lower power compared to the 2.5litre v6, so bought the V6 & still could do with more power - especially on sand.
V6 also chain/s - a fair bit complicated in the valve timing department & also don't like skipped oil changes. Oil filter location is a pain.
Oil leak from Pass Side front of timing cover common. Rear main on manual likely to leak if playing in deep sand. Mine gets 13l/100km around town & will only drop to 10.5 on a country run (225/75R16, bullbar extra weight etc.) In deep sand (Wyperfeld NP) have done as badly as 22.5l/100km - have an 88l tank, but that doesn't give a whole lot of range at that usage!.
Great car though. Good luck

[blue suzuki]

I went from a jimny to a 3 door grand vitara 2.4 litre 4 cylinder and get the same economy but a lot more power