The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a hard-wearing 4×4 that is very capable off-road. It has a low-ratio gearbox, which helps give it very good off-road control, ensuring it copes well when climbing or descending steep hills.The boot is very generous and will accommodate luggage for at least 4 passengers. The seven-seater version, the XL-7, is a genuine 7 seater with more than enough space even in the 3rd row.If you can stretch to run a V6 2.5 or 2.7 version, do so, they are the best of the range. The ride is smoother and the fuel economy is not much worse than for other models. It is safer to avoid the 2.0 diesel versions, because they are noisy and struggle on fast roads.Insurance costs are similar with the competition. The five-seat V6 models, 2.0 petrol and turbopowered-diesels are group 12. The 1.6 versions (three-door only) are group 10, including the soft-top. Servicing costs are quite high due mostly to the fact that they have to be serviced every 6,000 miles.The turbopowered-diesel does about 39 to the gallon, the 1.6 36, the 2.0 about 30mpg and the V6 does about 27mpg. For a car of this type that is pretty good fuel economy.When buying 2nd hand Vitaras look for faulty switchgear and controls. Check all of the switches and knobs to make sure they are working. The electrics begin to deteriorate quite early on in all versions. Faults with the electrics can be difficult or expensive to repair. Vitara engines are reliable, but only if they have been properly serviced. Look for off-road damage check the underside, bumpers & suspension in particular. There was a recall for V6s and diesels due to fears that studs on the front strut mountings of the suspension could shear. Make sure the Vitara you are considering buying has been modified to fix this re-call fault. Search Second Hand Suzuki Cars For The Suzuki of your dreams.

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