Suzuki Vitara

sturmiearcher, May 24, 10:25am
Hey dudes. thinking of possibly getting a Vitara. mid 90's to early 2000 or what ever they are.
Any comments on the 2 litre engined or V6 engined. PROBLEMS !, FUEL ECONOMY !. or what ever you have to say ! Cheers.

berg, May 24, 10:30am
From a Suzuki mechanic, pretty good. Power is a little peaky (not too torquey down low), OK on fuel compared to other 2ltr 4x4s but known for needing timing chains usually around 100-120000kms. Expensive job to do usually taking a full day.

robotnik, May 24, 10:32am
The larger engines guzzle gas. The 1600cc is best. Also get the Japanese Domestic Market version called the Escudo, it is more fully spec'ed than the NZ New Vitara.

sturmiearcher, May 24, 10:35am
Thanks, is the 2 litre a 4 cyl and the 2.5 litre v6 ! or do I have it all wrong !

berg, May 24, 10:36am
Just further on my comments, its the v6 that has the timing chain problem. The 1600 is a sweet unit. Only problems we had with those were spark leads and cracked exhaust manifolds. Go for a wide body if you can afford it.

berg, May 24, 10:37am
2ltr 4 cyl and 2ltr, 2.5ltr V6 all available

sturmiearcher, May 24, 10:40am
mmmmmmm toooooo many choices !, so the 2 litre 4cyl engines ok ! was looking at larger than 1600

sturmiearcher, May 24, 7:50pm
Hey anymore addition this all you knowledgeable dudes early in the morning !

berg, May 24, 8:29pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Escudo
Have a look at this. Shows just how many versions are available. The 2ltr 4 is a good engine. If buying a manual check 5th gear isn't noisy as people often drive them in 5th at bout 50km. This loads 5th a bit much and they tend to get noisy. I've had one and would happily have another (currently have a Swift as it suits my needs better)

bowla3, May 24, 10:27pm
Had a 1997 Auto, 1600 Vitara. for about 40 000 ks. Very economical on open road, 8.5 litres per 100k, about 10 per 100 around town.
Great little wagon, easy to get in and out.
Except for the usual maintenance - oil,filters, tyres, it cost very little to run.
The bloke I sold it to, asked me later on, "Where did you buy parts for it"
Had to tell him, "Never needed anything"