[Cory]

Hey Guys,

Been lurking the forums a little bit but I've decided to get some advice. I'm sure this question has been asked before as well.

I’m looking at purchasing a Vitara with a budget of around $4-5k (the less I spend the more I have for other bits and repairs). I have a young bloke which I want to be able to get around and do a bit of camping and fishing without costing a fortune like our current V6 Pajero does, but it won’t be used much apart from that. I won’t be doing a whole heap of hard off-road, I’m more looking for the challenge of setting up a tourer out of a small 4WD.
Some of the requirements are
- 4 Door with room to fit a baby seat
- Decent fuel economy
- Reliable when looked after
- Reasonable to work on

What model would people lean towards for these requirements? I’ve been seeing a few around the 1998 mark with the J20A 2L 4Cyl engine within the budget and I’m thinking of going this way. I think I’d like to keep away from the V6 models because some people have reported some ordinary fuel economy figures.

Cheers,
- Cory

[Eddy]

I have a 94 4 door Vit and it has been quite a fair little tourer, so you're on the right track.

I built a removable "kitchen/pantry" box that fitted into the back, with a lid which folded down to form a bench. this left a reasonable amount of space above for our clothing and stuff.
Also had a cargo barrier fitted, which served also as a rack to hang several small baskets for storage.

When assembling a camping kit for suzuki ... look toward the hiker / cycling / kayaking equipment.

Back in the late 70s & early 80s, we did many trips in a LJ50 soft top, with 3 kids, all a matter of thinking outside the square.

[Gwagensteve]

Model of lean towards? V6 pajero.

You’re asking too much of a Vitara.

[Cory]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Eddy that sounds like a pretty similar way I'd like to go, maybe a roof cage to hold some gear like a tent etc.

I actually have a 93 or 94 4 Door Vit with the G16B in the bottom paddock and it has plenty of room for what I'm wanting to do. It has also never been touched since we bought it 5+ years ago and has been reliable considering its abuse. Unfortunately we let it run out of rego, it has some pretty serious suspension work, guards cut and some type of transfer gearing (we think) making it not suitable.

I'm hoping you might be being a bit unfair to the Vitara's Gwagensteve considering the junker Vit I have meets 2 of the requirements, I'm just unsure about reliability during long distances and fuel economy considering I've never driven it far. I was also hoping the J20A might be a bit nicer to drive and economical.

[Cory]

Gwagensteve wrote:

Model of lean towards? V6 pajero.

You’re asking too much of a Vitara.

On another note Gwagensteve, I seen from some other posts you know a little bit about the J20As. If you seen a Vit come up with a J20 with around the 200k mark with a timing chain probelm for cheap, do you think it would be worth while putting time into? Or is it an expensive boat anchor?

[Eddy]

Gwagensteve wrote:

You’re asking too much of a Vitara.

... you mean to say I been doing it wrong all these years?



.... damn!!

if only I'd known ... ...

[Gwagensteve]

I’m suggesting the OP already has a suitable vehicle. Purchasing a different vehicle which will require re-equipping, maintenance and upgrades, with a reduced payload, reduced space and reduced capability in order to save fuel cost (when the car will hardly be being used according to the OP) doesn’t make sense.

Steve.

[bumstein]

There could be any number of reasons OP wants to replace or supplement his Pajero, perhaps it has problems or he just doesn’t like it.

Reduced payload and size etc are important factors to consider however they aren’t the be all and end all of someone’s choice on which vehicle to buy or use. For example, I have a dual cab trayback landcruiser but I still use my Sierra as a “tourer” and camping vehicle often. Why? Because I like to.

Just throwing out a differential idea. Your ideas are worth considering however.

Sorry Cory I’m not a Vitara guy myself so I can’t weigh in with an opinion here

[Gwagensteve]

I’ll add there are at least two threads on here with owners complaining about the fuel economy of j20 engined cars.

[Cory]

Sorry guys, the post may lack some information/context.
My misses drives the Pajero fulltime, it's a great car but 17-18L/100kms isn't practical for us when she drives 160kms round trip to work, so it's going and she will get something a bit more economical. I want to spend some cash on a Vitara to set up for weekends away, it won't be driven because work sorts me out for a car.

I've seen the J20 posts about fuel economy but I've done a lot of reading about the H25a V6 models using up to 15L/100kms and I was thinking the J20s would be well below that even if they aren't getting the 8L/100km mark that newer cars get.

[Eddy]

I read it as wanting to have the thing virtually packed and ready to go at the drop of a hat, rather than trying to pack the car on friday evening, rush off, found stuff has been forgotten, get back home sunday and unpack ready for monday, and seeing all the stuff that wasn't used. Not exactly a relaxing weekend.

[Dalahare]

My J20a SV420 returns on average around 13-14L/100 under almost all driving conditions.

This figure doesn't improve on the highway due to the ruined aero from the rack, snorkel, slight lift, slightly bigger muddies ect.

In fact I've gotten as bad as 16l/100 with swag and camp chairs on the roof and 18l/100 per tank when towing a light trailer.

If i didn't insist on sitting right on the speed limit (GPS verified, not by the speedo) it may improve a bit as it feels a lot less stressed at 90-95kph than it does at 100-110 but definitely do not buy one of these thinking it will be light on fuel.

[atari4x4]

my best score was 33l/100kms in the dunes in my SV620 & trailer.

[alien]

What actual 4WDing do you need to do for the touring portion of your trips?? I ask, because you'd be surprised how much is accessible by a normal car. In which case a Commodore wagon should do everything you need. If you must have AWD to do the odd sandy track or snowy road then an old Subaru Outback would be worth a look.

[Cory]

Well thanks for all the feedback all, sounds like the J20a might not be the way to go unless I'm willing to put up with the fuel economy. I might look a bit older at the early 90s G16 models in that case.

Alien - I can see what you are saying but I'm definitely keen on a 4WD. I've had HiLuxes forever and I can't see myself being very pumped to get into a Commodore or a Outback to go on trips. I was thinking a Zook would be a good one to have in the yard that the young bloke could be excited about jumping into on the weekends and getting out fishing, doing some soft roading etc. Plus a little(literally little) project to put some money into as far as touring mods.

I just hope I am grown up enough to keep away from the hard stuff, when I was a bit younger I was right into it and I think it cost me a few house deposits worth of parts and a lot of weekends with a HiLux stripped to bits in the driveway.

[alien]

Is aircon and comfort a priority? If not, get a sierra. You'll have way more fun with the ridiculousness of the whole ordeal =)

[bumstein]

+1 for Sierra!!!! Most fun you can have on and off road IMO

[Cory]

alien wrote:

Is aircon and comfort a priority? If not, get a sierra. You'll have way more fun with the ridiculousness of the whole ordeal =)

You guys might be onto something, I've always liked Sierras

[bumstein]

And if the aircon thing is super important you can install it. However my preference is a soft top without aircon. It will almost certainly cover your prerequisite for cheaper on fuel.

Have you owned or driven Sierra’s before? Assuming you haven’t I think it’s a good idea to put in some time and reading to familiarize yourself with their nuances before making the purchase.

For example, highway speeds can be difficult for the little engine to maintain. Not saying it won’t do it but it’s not ideal and things like head wind or subtle inclines will inhibit this unless you’re looking to do an engine conversion. For the best part I like Sierra’s with their original 1.3, excluding the carby.

There’s different models to choose from, each with their own benefits and characteristics. Here’s a good place to start:

viewtopic.php?t=52270

Also if you have friends with Sierra’s it might help you to get a feel for them. Alternatively find a Suzuki club or group near you and see what you can find out.

Let us know what you find!! And get ready for face aching sized smiles!!!

[alien]

He said he's had hiluxes forever, so it's safe to assume he's OK with no power and bruised kidneys =P

[bumstein]

^ haha!!! Fair call

[Eddy]

getting a kid in and out of the baby seat in a two door can be a PITA ... specially for the missus.

[Marko_SJ]

Cory wrote:

Hey Guys,

Been lurking the forums a little bit but I've decided to get some advice. I'm sure this question has been asked before as well.

I’m looking at purchasing a Vitara with a budget of around $4-5k (the less I spend the more I have for other bits and repairs). I have a young bloke which I want to be able to get around and do a bit of camping and fishing without costing a fortune like our current V6 Pajero does, but it won’t be used much apart from that. I won’t be doing a whole heap of hard off-road, I’m more looking for the challenge of setting up a tourer out of a small 4WD.
Some of the requirements are
- 4 Door with room to fit a baby seat
- Decent fuel economy
- Reliable when looked after
- Reasonable to work on

What model would people lean towards for these requirements? I’ve been seeing a few around the 1998 mark with the J20A 2L 4Cyl engine within the budget and I’m thinking of going this way. I think I’d like to keep away from the V6 models because some people have reported some ordinary fuel economy figures.

Cheers,
- Cory

I was in a similar position a few years back although less the baby situation (thank hell ) . Had a sierra and for what I was doing there was no room, it couldnt do highway speeds in the NT and was going through a fair bit of juice for such modest performance and payload.

I considered the following to keep it Suzuki:

G16B Vit, J20 Vit and H20 Vit.
Jellybean grandvitara.

I didnt go that road but honestly they'd come close to ticking my boxes.

[ZUZUKI]

Hi Cory,
Welcome to Auszookers!.
Always a great topic to start on.

The J20 Vitara is going to be the up-date 1996-97-98 version - much is the same as earlier Vitara, but also, enough is different for it to be frustrating sourcing parts & accessories (bullbar options, for example).
It is comparably heavy on fuel to the H20A version, but the H20A can be swapped for a H25A or H27A for serious zoom.

A Grand Vitara (1998-2005) in decent nick will chew all your budget. A J20 in a GV wagon is only just adequate. A H25A in a wagon goes ok & uses only 1L/100km more fuel.

My pick, would be as good a condition Vitara wagon (1991-1995) G16B MANUAL as you can find - approx $3k, spend the rest on what ever maintenance is required - very simple to work on - not as simple as a Sierra G13, granted, but better than a J20 or H20/25.
You need a manual. A 'touring' auto (ending up over geared (with bigger tyres) and overweight (with accessories & camping gear) will spend too much time kicking down to 3rd.
Cargo barrier is gold for making the best use of the cargo area. Roof rack is an issue, with no effective gutters. can be done, but it's not ideal. If you can pack well & light so as not to need one - bonus points to you.
Obviously very easy to overcapitalise, with accessories & easy to end up overweight, as the payloads in any Suzuki is not great.
Well underrated on where a well driven Vitara on decent tyres will go.

People who 'tour' in a Sierra are a special breed - the dust, the noise, the lack of space, the lack of pace - I've seen people do it, but why go out of your way to make life hard for your self?.

Good luck with your decision & finding a suitable car.
Rgs, Michael

[Technotron101]

ZUZUKI wrote:

Hi Cory,
People who 'tour' in a Sierra are a special breed
Rgs, Michael

That we are

Hey Bumstein

[bumstein]

Technotron101 wrote:

Hey Bumstein

I helped? Permission to write home immediately sir, this is the first brilliant plan a bumstein’s ever had! My mother will be pleased as punch!

[Technotron101]

[vet 180]

ZUZUKI wrote:

Hi Cory,
Welcome to Auszookers!.
Always a great topic to start on.

The J20 Vitara is going to be the up-date 1996-97-98 version - much is the same as earlier Vitara, but also, enough is different for it to be frustrating sourcing parts & accessories (bullbar options, for example).
It is comparably heavy on fuel to the H20A version, but the H20A can be swapped for a H25A or H27A for serious zoom.

A Grand Vitara (1998-2005) in decent nick will chew all your budget. A J20 in a GV wagon is only just adequate. A H25A in a wagon goes ok & uses only 1L/100km more fuel.

My pick, would be as good a condition Vitara wagon (1991-1995) G16B MANUAL as you can find - approx $3k, spend the rest on what ever maintenance is required - very simple to work on - not as simple as a Sierra G13, granted, but better than a J20 or H20/25.
You need a manual. A 'touring' auto (ending up over geared (with bigger tyres) and overweight (with accessories & camping gear) will spend too much time kicking down to 3rd.
Cargo barrier is gold for making the best use of the cargo area. Roof rack is an issue, with no effective gutters. can be done, but it's not ideal. If you can pack well & light so as not to need one - bonus points to you.
Obviously very easy to overcapitalise, with accessories & easy to end up overweight, as the payloads in any Suzuki is not great.
Well underrated on where a well driven Vitara on decent tyres will go.

People who 'tour' in a Sierra are a special breed - the dust, the noise, the lack of space, the lack of pace - I've seen people do it, but why go out of your way to make life hard for your self?.

Good luck with your decision & finding a suitable car.
Rgs, Michael

To the OP

Easily the best post in this thread.

Also keep in mind that the fuel figures quoted for the J20 are for modified cars with big tires and roof racks etc. I have had a V6 GV long term and owned a pajero. The GV killed the pajero in terms of fuel economy and drivability. And I am comparing a SWB pajero to a 4 door GV


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[Cory]

Thanks again for all of the replies. This thread has been very helpful in my decision making.
I'm ruling Sierras out, if it were just me and the mrs I would make her suffer through it. But after a bit of research I'd be a bit concerned on the safety factor with the young bloke in the car.

Zuzuki - Thanks for taking the time to go through that for me. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I'd like to hunt down a G16b LWB model. I've worked on the G16bs a little bit and I know the Estate farm car we have has plenty enough room for what I'm wanting to do. I'm not seeing a huge amount of them for sale, so I guess it'll be a bit of a waiting game. I don't mind the idea of the H20 or H25a now after some thought as well but I think engine work might be on the difficult side, it's hard enough to change a timing belt on a V6 Pajero let alone on a V6 crammed into a Vitara.

Alien - You are right about that. I have a newer model lux for work these days and after a long drive I still feel like I'm stumbling out of a boxing ring.

I know that these cars aren't exactly suitable for touring but I like a challenge and a project. I'm also probably not going to do a 6 month trip with it, I'm more talking within a few hours from home for a couple of days. Who knows, if its so bad the misses might get fed up and let me buy the dual cab LandCruiser I keep nagging her about.

[bumstein]

Cory wrote:

Who knows, if its so bad the misses might get fed up and let me buy the dual cab LandCruiser I keep nagging her about.

Im not going to say ‘don’t’ do it.. but be aware
Of the issues with them before you take the plunge. If you get that close to purchase give me a PM and I’ll give you a run down