Suzuki Vitara - I guess this is a "Learn Me" thread

My roommate has been offered what he thinks is a good deal on one of them. I guess it's a 2002 with 170k, 4 cylinder, AWD. Supposedly has had "a lot of recent work done" on the brakes and other stuff.

He's asked me if it's a good car to buy; which I appreciate since whatever he ends up driving I'll probably end up helping him fix if it breaks.

I don't know anything about them so, are they trouble prone? Anything specific to look for? I don't see many driving around now which leads me to believe either not many of them were made or they're not great as a reliable beater.

This is a GM product, right?

BlueInGreen44 wrote: This is a GM product, right?

This is a Suzuki product that was sold as a GM product (the Geo Tracker, Chevy Tracker, Asuna/Pontiac Sunrunner). Be wary of their propensity for rust underneath. They had a lot of troubles with subframes rusting out.

Rust depending on your locale, otherwise I love them as trucklets. Suzuki SUV's are underrated IMHO.

It's a Suzuki product. GM sold them as well under the Chevy/Geo brand. There are a pile of them still running around down here. Rust is the main issue I know of.

The 4 cylinders are pretty bullet proof AFAIK but I know they had some issues with the V6s in later years. Suzuki does know 4WD. They've been building them forever and it's pretty common to see them around here with 200K+ miles on them and still going strong.

The 2.0L 4cyl should have the timing chain/tensioner replaced by 200k. Otherwise, they're solid trucks. No subframes on these, full boxed frame with a body, 2spd manual transfercase, 4-link Toyota style rear axle and independant front. They are VERY capable offroad.

Bobzilla wrote: They are VERY capable offroad.

Yeah, don't show him any video.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tW6WFF1uNJA

I think this is a newer XL-7. They haven't lost much capability.

Don't show him this one either.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZEN3_oA6Jg

I have a '99 2-door with 100k on it. It's a good trucklet, does well in snow, and this version doesn't rust nearly as bad as the earlier ones. Fuel mileage isn't great, I get around 20mpg usually, with most of that being in the 55-70mph range. It's not a vehicle I'd want to take on long trips as it definitely sounds/feels like a tin can going down the road, and the ride is certainly truck-like - for example my '98 Chevy 1-ton van rides way better than the Vitara. That's partly due to the difference in wheelbase, but also due to general construction differences. If the price is right and there's no major problems, go for it!

Every Suzuki* car or truck that I've ever worked on was a pleasure to deal with, except for rust issues. They all reminded me of my old Datsun, in all good ways.

• I'm excluding Suzuki branded Daewoos

As noted above, don't neglect the Chevy/Geo Tracker version. There are often some around here that are worn, but rust free.

Previous thread:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-road/learn-me-suzuki-gran-vitara/89093/page1/

HappyAndy wrote: * I'm excluding Suzuki branded Daewoos

We call those Daewooki's and they're an abomination to the automotive world. Japanese built 'Zuk's are great vehicles and built well.

Cool. Sounds like it's worth checking out then. Thanks guys.

So which is preferred, V6 or 4 cylinder engine and automatic or manual transmission?

I've seen people claim into the low 30s for mpg for the four cylinder engines.

my experience is that the V6 motors aren't particularly reliable. timing chain failures, bottom end noise, top end noise, oil consumption... which is a shame, because I kinda liked how the 5sp V6 examples drive. haven't ever worked on a 4 cylinder one. maybe that's a sign?

In reply to spitfirebill:

I get 26-28 out of my Samurai with a 1.6L and a 5 speed. I would think a more modern and aerodynamic body would make it damn close to 30.

belteshazzar wrote: my experience is that the V6 motors aren't particularly reliable. timing chain failures, bottom end noise, top end noise, oil consumption... which is a shame, because I kinda liked how the 5sp V6 examples drive. haven't ever worked on a 4 cylinder one. maybe that's a sign?

Had no issues with ours. I remember replaciong a crap ton of timing chain tensioners though. The V6's needed 10W30 and tended to burn lighter weight oils. Then again, they hold 6.5qts of oil for that little 2.5L V6 so it could have just been quickie lubes not filling them up since most needed right at 1.5qts of oil to top them off.

Never saw any other issues with the V6 though.

As for economy, we used to get 27 on the highwaty with our 02 Grand Vitara. At 75mph it wsa turning around 3200rpms so long distnce highway cruising was not its forte.

Toyman01 wrote: In reply to spitfirebill: I get 26-28 out of my Samurai with a 1.6L and a 5 speed. I would think a more modern and aerodynamic body would make it damn close to 30.

Are you using FI or a carb?

In reply to spitfirebill:

Throttle body EFI. The engine is a '91, 8 valve, out of a Tracker.

Toyman01 wrote: In reply to spitfirebill: I get 26-28 out of my Samurai with a 1.6L and a 5 speed. I would think a more modern and aerodynamic body would make it damn close to 30.

With your tin top and oversized tires? REALLY?!??!?!?!? I've had my eyes open for a tin top since your build thread. If were to ever ditch my rusty 95 Tracker it would be for a tin top.

In reply to Spinout007:

With the 33" tires I only got 17-18. I swapped the 33" mud grips for 29" all terrains and lowered it 5" and the economy took a big jump.

Toyman01 wrote: In reply to spitfirebill: Throttle body EFI. The engine is a '91, 8 valve, out of a Tracker.

I just went through your build thread. Keep up the good work.

I always liked the look of the older 4 door Trackers or the hard top 2 door Trackers. I see one every once in a while.

Toyman01 wrote: In reply to Spinout007: With the 33" tires I only got 17-18. I swapped the 33" mud grips for 29" all terrains and lowered it 5" and the economy took a big jump.

235/75 15's at stock height is the ultimate goal for mine. Though I'm not sure if I'm going to get to take it north with me or not, my niece has gotten rather attached to it. (hand a 13 year old the keys, it's going to happen. ) Might have to find another one up there and leave this one here for her.

Toyman01 wrote: In reply to Spinout007: With the 33" tires I only got 17-18. I swapped the 33" mud grips for 29" all terrains and lowered it 5" and the economy took a big jump.

Where is your build thread for this? I can't find it.

Still miss my Sidekick. Loved the fender flares, loved the dimensions, loved the practicality and simplicity. No power and it rusted, but man was that a great little vehicle.