[bigcheeze]

Hi guys..... I'm in the market for a new
vehicle and have a budget of around 5k. I'm dead keen on getting into a smaller 4x4 so I'm looking into a late 90's model vitara. I'm going to be using this one to get to work and the occasional beach run for fishing. Originally I was looking at a sierra but as I'm going to be using it as a daily driver I'm really looking for something with a/c that rides well on the road. I've heard a lot of good things about the early 90s vitaras but finding one that hasn't been seriously flogged is becoming an issue. However there seems to be a few 99-00 grand vitaras around in my price range in decent condition. Are these as easy to work on as the earlier vitara models? Are they as good off road as the earlier models? Anything else
I should keep an eye out for ?

Cheers for your help.

[fordem]

Which of the GVs are you looking at - there were three available, the SQ416 (3 door, 1.6) SQ420 (5 door 2.0) and SQ625 (5 door 2.5 V6) - personally I think the V6 is a pain in the but to work on, the others are OK.

The front axle freewheel mechanism is a weak spot, timing chains on the 2.0 & 2.5 can be problematic, if you're looking at one of those, try to hear it start up from cold, listen for a metallic rattle and if it's present, see how it long it takes to die away, anything more than a few seconds, walk away - a startup rattle can also be produced by the serpentine belt idler & tensioner pulleys, so it's not always the chains, but it can be hard to distinguish which is which without taking things apart.

[MacDaddy]

Going on your needs, a daily with a bit of beach fishing, but must have A/C, then if you can find a good one in your price range, i would say go with the Grand Vitara for sure, it will be a very comfy daily with a good A/C, and will still do the beach unmodified...
A stock Vitara will be more capable than a stock Grand Vitara, but, if you want more out of it, a few simple mods, tyres and suspension, it will take you even more places, mine still amazes me how capable it is, with those mods...

I wouldnt say the Grand Vitara is more easy to work on than the 1.6L Vitara, but it wouldnt be far off, the engine would be the big difference, and i wouldnt want to do anymore on the V6 other than normal servicing, or basic work, and get a Mechanic who knows what they are doing for any other major work, i can recommend a good mechanic, that i and quite a few other Perth guys take their Zooks too...

One big thing with the Grand Vitara, make sure it has No timing chain rattle, with engine running, and if you can, listen to the engine from a cold start, thats when the rattle is most noticeable, a few seconds of rattle at cold start is ok, it can be fixed pretty easily, but if it rattles any longer, or while warm, it will be expensive to repair... look for one that has a good service history if possible, bad servicing really shortens the life of the engine, check that no oil leaks at the back of the engine, as the rear mail engine seal can be problem, and no oil leaks at the front of the engine, as it could be a timing chain cover seal, or a crank seal, they are pricey to fix... thats all i can think of for now, i am sure others with more experience, can let you know more...

[bigcheeze]

thanks for your help guys.

I'm definitely leaning towards the older vitaras at the moment... I want something cheaper and easier to work on than the GV. there's a couple around but they have 200k+ on the odometer. obviously it depends on the sort of miles it's done but how sturdy are these engines ? I've checked coolant oil etc, looks alright... not blowing smoke but getting a car with that many k's freaks me out a bit. my last car blew a heady after 3 months. It was a costly exercise that's for sure

[christover1]

My import low k G16 engine (from Baleno/Swift) was only $1000 delivered to my door.
Less work but dearer is a low K Vitara 1.6 at around $1500 to my door.
(plus fitting if you don't fit it yourself)
So engine condition is less important, if the rest of car is good and a good price.

1.6 engines are prone to cracking when old, if cooling system not looked after well.
Old engines are always a gamble, but less a worry, if a replacement is factored into purchase budget

[bigcheeze]

yeah I'm not sure enough of my abilities to put in a new motor myself tbh. how much to pay someone else to do it ? if worst came to worst.

[droverdave]

Is this timing chain tensioner hydraulically operated (with oil) ?

[atari4x4]

[atari4x4]

the SV vitara's are coming down in price & there are still neat ones around, pretty sure this one is owned by an AZ'er
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide ... 1024036300

LWB http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide ... 1024229366

[bigcheeze]

Yeah I think I will wait until a decent 4 door vit comes on the market in perth. Im in no rush to buy......

[ZUZUKI]

In general terms, an older car is easier to work on than a newer car, as it would be less complex. However, depending on age and condition, a newer car might not need the sort of work an older one could be needing.
Suzuki's are well put together, so that's a bonus.
The differences between the original Vitara and a GV are the GV has rack & pinion steering, front axles 'freewheel' at the diff end, rather than the wheel hub, rear suspension uses 2 upper arms, rather than an 'A frame' ball joint, and is wider and a bit heavier. For that reason, the extra power of the 2.5L V6 is noticed over the 2.0L 4cyl.
Ultimately, it's a bit easier to get bigger tyres under the earlier car.
We have had a fantastic run out of our GV, with my only comment on your intended use being that in stock form, it was a bit low to the ground and the front cross member used to 'scoop' sand from the centre of sandy tracks and spread it throughout the engine bay - fixed with a bit of suspension, bit bigger tyres and an alloy skid plate.
Either way, pick a good car, and you're going to have great fun with it.