[top jimny]

Hi zOOk folks,

I'm after advice into buying a Gen 2 (1998-2005) vs Gen 3 (2006 on) Grand Vitara, both 2009 model/year (I live in South America so the GV2 was still in production until 2009 under GM-Chevrolet brand, but is the same vehicle of a Suzuki Grand Vitara 1998-2005 worldwide). They have the same 2.0 16v engine (J20A if i recall), although the Gen3 have an updated version with 20+ hp.

I know the gen 2 is a very robust body-on-frame 4x4 and parts now are cheaper. It is a part-time 4wd, being 2wd or rear wheel drive on tarmac (and you can add a free wheel hub on the front to avoid rotating the front axles).

The gen 3 is full time 4wd with lower ground clearance and more expensive parts. But it's an automatic transmission and roomier, comfortable and better stability.

Both run for almost the same price, the gen2 with less mileage and slightly cheaper. None have traction control. Gen2 have a sunroof.

About the gen2 I'm only worried about the plastic timing chain guide that are prone to fail. The gen3 seems not to have this problem, but have more electronics to give trouble in the long run.

Question is: what would you buy and why?

Thank you for your thoughts.

cheers guys.


PS. Planning for a small lift and beefier tires for both kind of like this

[fordem]

A parts manual check just confirmed, the timing gear on the J20a engines has remained virtually unchanged between the two generations of vehicle - the plastic chain guides are very much there, the exact same part numbers are still used - the only difference over the years is an updated #1 chain adjuster - and if you're looking at an 09 SQ420, it's highly likely that the newer part is fitted.

I have a 98 SQ420 and an 05 JB420, so to speak, both of the vehicles you are considering - you have already listed, albeit briefly, the advantages & disadvantages of the vehicles - all there is left for me to do is state my preference.

They are both quite sturdy vehicles, the SQ has a wider range of available modifications (lift, gearing, etc.), the JB is perhaps slightly more "civilized", better equipped (the pesky electronics), however, slightly more "challenged" off road - the suspension design limits how much you can lift it, and regardless of lift, it will be prone to dragging the rear suspension arms in the dirt - I enjoy driving both vehicles (hey, they are both Suzuki!!), however, my choice would be the SQ, primarily because of the ease of modification.

For what it's worth, I've had the SQ almost seven years now, upgrades have been done over time, OME springs & shocks/struts, freewheel hubs, larger AT tires, spotties, roof rack, awning, etc., whilst the JB is a much more recent acquisition (just over two months), apart from the tires (Geolandar AT) that is still stock, for now..., and by the way, I am, so to speak, right next door - in Guyana.

[MrRocky]

The pre 05 gv's snap axles like toothpicks when wheeled hard and tyre size increased to 245/75r16
The newer gv's dont seem to suffer the same issue with that size tyre

[top jimny]

fordem my cumpadre nice infos about the engines. Thanks.

No doubt about the earlier being easy to modify. Removing the anti-roll mechanism, add the lightness of a Suzuki and it will be unstoppable. Found a video to prove:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvKdKCFVtbE

However I'm not going to go beyond a 2" lift and 235/70r16 as the one in the video.

To be honest today I'm leaning towards GV3. Maybe tomorrow back to GV2? Buying a car is unlike any other rational decision I make everyday. Something shifts inside my brain. Let's hope for the best.

MrRocky searching more I've found a lifted GV3 for sale here (dealer option). It comes with 245/65r17 and a 40 mm Ironman suspension lift (2" total). The only thing is the suspension arms/links bracket is changed. Pics bellow.

cheers guys, keep on coming

[MrRocky]

The 4 dr is always going to struggle and get caught up alot on its belly, consider the 2 dr if offroad ability is your primary concern

[fordem]

MrRocky wrote:

The pre 05 gv's snap axles like toothpicks when wheeled hard and tyre size increased to 245/75r16
The newer gv's dont seem to suffer the same issue with that size tyre

Are the "pre 05" running open diffs?

MrRocky wrote:

The 4 dr is always going to struggle and get caught up alot on its belly, consider the 2 dr if offroad ability is your primary concern

Which of the four doors? SQ or JB/JT?

[MrRocky]

Yeah open or locked the pre 05 will snap axles with 245/75
Any of the 4 doors taking into account ramp over angles, limited front susp, low belly ect... is going to be less capable than the equivelent in a 2 dr

[thompson_2986]

MrRocky wrote:

The pre 05 gv's snap axles like toothpicks when wheeled hard and tyre size increased to 245/75r16
The newer gv's dont seem to suffer the same issue with that size tyre

What are pre 05 gv's like with tyres between 235/60r16 (Standard) and 245/75r16? The 245/75r16 is a 3inch increase.

If looking at a 2inch increase what mods are needed to fit the tyre?