[neodude112320]

Hi All,

Just need some feedback on the current generation of Grand Vitaras.

I Had a Feroza a few years back, Loved it to pieces but it was not the most reliable thing in the world. I Sold her and bought an NC MX5, fantastic car and I don't regret buying it but insurance is killing me (P Plater with a not so clean driving record). I Miss being able to go on camping trips and 4wd trips with the family so I have been trying to find a 4WD That is Comfortable for work yet will still be fairly capable offroad. I Test drove a SWB '11 Vitara and it was fairly pokey and I liked driving it.

So my questions being, How capable are they offroad? What are they like when towing a small trailer? Any particular year/model I should look for? Lastly, What are they like on long road trips (I Do a long haul of around 700km each way every 3 months or so)

My budget would be around $15k so It would be a used GV if I end up getting one.

Any input and feedback would be great!

P.s I Test drove a Jimny aswell but I don't think that would be comfortable for long trips.

[Gwagensteve]

I didn't think the SWB vitaras had a transfer case?

Steve

[neodude112320]

They sure do, See that knob down in the corner?

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http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/carsa ... 845082.jpg
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The one I test drove also had one, I'm certain that all of the SWB GV's are 4x4 w/ Transfer case

[atari4x4]

the 1.6 GV3's were high range only, when they went to the 2.4 they got low range & disk brake in the rear.

[neodude112320]

Ah right ok, that would explain that then! Anyone have any other feedback on the SWB GV's?

[steve125]

Not many SWB GVs here, zooks4life used to have one
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12961

but has upgraded to a diesel LWB
viewtopic.php?t=33254

also read these threads
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38670&hilit=NGV
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=39588&hilit=NGV
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=38657
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=32209

also check Youtube, lots of vids of GVs offroad

For light offroading they're pretty good, just drive it accordingly. Don't know much about the SWBs, with the LWBs try to get the second generation ones from late 2008 onward as they get the better petrol motors, 2.4 4cyl and 3.2 6, early petrol base models also missed out on traction control, the diesels stayed pretty much the same apart from better brakes and slightly different interior.

Maybe consider the earlier GVs, pre 2005. $6-8,000 gets you comfortable car that's a bit better offroad than the newer ones, insurance should be cheaper too.