[Shoey]

Hi,

My sister is looking at buying a early to mid 2000's Grand Vitara 5 Door.

Are there any major issues with any models in this age range.
Anything I should look for when do a test drive.

Any help would be greatly appreaciated.

Cheers
Shoey

[Shoey]

There were recalls on 2004 Grand Vitaras regarding hydaulics and brakes.
Anyone had any issues?

[bailey08]

mines an 02 v6 auto and fuel guzzler round town(16-18km per 100km's). i mainly do high way now so still around 11-12lt per 100km's.

I've had no problems with mine except what I've caused. had a sticky starter motor replaced at about 180k.

[atari4x4]

transfer case issues with them popping out of gear in the early models, believe there is a fix for this with a new syncro ring or something

[Built4thrashing]

EArly GVs suffered with t/case problems . was fixed in 03+ models.
Timing chain noise on cold start up can be an issue.
Dry/noise belt tensioner.
Tyre scrub from pore allignment
Bent gear box cross member indicates offroad use.
Tapit noise can be caused from bad service history.

[redfish]

Timing chain. Timing chain. And timing chain.

About $1300 to fix at good mech, over $3k at stealership. Check for rattle on cold start, but if oil changed every 5k shouldn't be a problem.

[gregdixon]

Shoey wrote:

There were recalls on 2004 Grand Vitaras regarding hydaulics and brakes.
Anyone had any issues?

Got a 2004 gv and have not had issues with the brakes. All works well. Regarding other issues rear main seal is common also.

[Samurai81]

Are all your GVs V6 engined? We have quite a few the J20 4cylinder 2.0s and 4cylinder 2.0 l Purgeot diesels. I'm considering a mid 2000s 5 door diesel for my next aquisition.
Steve.

[MacDaddy]

bailey08 wrote:

mines an 02 v6 auto and fuel guzzler round town(16-18km per 100km's). i mainly do high way now so still around 11-12lt per 100km's.

I've had no problems with mine except what I've caused. had a sticky starter motor replaced at about 180k.

I know the auto's use a lil bit more petrol than the manuals, but 16 to 18Lt per 100kms, is not good at all , i think you have a problem somewhere... my mothers 03 Auto GV, is mainly used around town, and hers doesnt even come close to using that much...

I have an 01 Manual GV with 215,000kms on it, it is very economical, and it has been very reliable, and i take mine offroad and give it shite... all the problems have been mentioned... just make sure it has been regularly serviced and well maintained, preferably with a service history, not just somebodys word, and you really shouldnt have any major problems... get one with low kms, if you can find one, you will have to pay a bit more... but they are a great car !