Used Suzuki Grand Vitara review: 2008-2012

Suzuki once had the compact four-wheel drive market almost to itself, but booming SUV sales have seen almost every other carmaker enter the fray.

New

While the small Suzuki wagons like the Grand Vitara look similar to other SUVs they're different. Most notably they're four-wheel drivers rather than front-wheel drive passenger models adapted for the purpose.

The Grand Vitara will happily cruise around town but it's equally at home on Australia's rough bush tracks.

That means they're still going in rough and rugged going long after regular SUVs have cried enough.

The Grand Vitara will happily cruise around town, pick the kids up from school, do the shopping, but it's equally at home on Australia's rough and rutted bush tracks.

While its bush cred has never been in question its townie appeal was when compared to rivals that offered more comfort and more features.

The new JT model introduced into the SUV war in 2008 went some way to addressing those concerns.

It was made up of three and five-door wagon body styles, and there was a selection of models ranging from the Grand Vitara to the Grand Vitara Prestige.

It looked little different to the earlier model; you had to take a closer look to see the longer bumper and new alloy wheels.

Beyond that it got more safety gear with side and curtain airbags, and electronic stability control.

There was good news under the Vitara's bonnet too, with new engines that injected it with new life. Gone were the rather lifeless four-cylinder engines, and in their place was a trio of engines that had more performance and were also more economical.

The base engine was a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that significantly boosted the performance over the rather asthmatic 1.6-litre unit it replaced.

On top of that there was a lusty 3.2-litre quad-cam V6 that had plenty of punch for towing, while being more economical than the 2.7-litre V6 it replaced.

There was also the option of a turbo-diesel engine that delivered economy to the tune of 7.0 L/100 km.

Depending on the model you could choose from a 5-speed manual gearbox, and four and five-speed autos, but all came with dual-range full-time four-wheel drive.

Now

Suzukis are renowned for their quality and durability, but their jewel-like engines need to be well serviced. Clean oil is the way to keep them ticking over in good health.

Check for a service record, it's very important, and it's even better if people who know Suzukis have done the work.

If you're thinking of buying a diesel ask the vendor about the oil that's been used, as that can have an effect on the clogging of the particulate filter, which is something to be avoided.

There has been one recall affecting the Vitara, it was in 2011 and related to the engine drive belt tension pulley. A problem with the internal spring could case a loss of tension in the drive belt causing warning lights to falsely illuminate. Contact a Suzuki dealer to check if the car you are thinking of buying is one of those affected.

If you suspect a car has been used extensively offroad check it thoroughly

The Grand Vitara is very capable offroad, which is great if you want to go offroad, but not so great if you're buying one that's been beaten about the bush.

If you suspect a car has been used extensively offroad check it thoroughly, particularly underneath where it could have sustained rock damage, or come into contact with obstacles that are found in the wild.

The good news from owners we consulted is that the Vitara gives little trouble; it's a car you can buy with confidence.

SMITHY SAYS

Somewhat dated design, but it's solidly built, reliable, and great offroad.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008-2010
Price new: $24,990 to $39,990
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 122 kW/225 Nm; 3.2-litre V6, 165 kW/284 Nm; 1.9-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 95 kW/300 Nm
Transmission: 5-sped man, 4-speed auto, 5-speed auto, 4WD
Economy: 8.8-9.9 L/100 km (2.4), 10.0 L/100 km (V6), 7.0 L/100 km (TD)
Body: 3-door wagon, 5-door wagon
Variants: Grand Vitara, Prestige
Safety: 4-star ANCAP
Expect to pay:
$9000 to $18,500 for the Grand Vitara 3-door
$10,000 to $19,500 for the Grand Vitara 5-door
$13,500 to $27,500 for the Grand Vitara Prestige 5-door

OWNERS SAY

Richard Ettinger: Having traded a Falcon XR8 on my 3-door Grand Vitara in 2013 the first few months were confronting as I got used to the power difference, but now I wouldn't trade it for anything. Being single, with no dependents, the 3-door is a perfect fit for me. The 2.4 is zippy now that I'm used to it and I am just amazed by its brakes. My only criticism is that some of the interior features need to be updated, like you can't have the key in the ignition with the door open unless it's in the "on" position, same with the electric windows. The 5-year warranty and capped-price servicing are other reasons I bought it; they give me piece of mind.

James Sinclair: I have owned two Grand Vitaras, a 2003 model and a 2008 V6 Prestige, which I am currently driving. I have done 131,000 km in the latest one and it has been very reliable. It is comfortable, has plenty of power, but it is a little thirsty.

Ken Roberts: I bought my 2013 Grand Vitara 3-door to flat-tow behind my Winnebago, and I'm very pleased with it. The engine is very responsive, it is easy to park, the turning circle is amazing, it's very quiet inside, and the large rear door makes it easy to load. The few negatives I have are that the cruise wasn't standard, the fuel consumption is a bit high, and the Sport button is poorly positioned.

Neale Hinschen: Previously we had a 2002 V6 Grand Vitara, now we drive a 2010 Grand Vitara diesel, and both have proved to be great cars. The 1.9-litre intercooled turbocharged diesel has plenty of power and is very economical, but you must use the correct engine oil that's suitable for the DPF or you risk clogging it up. When the battery starts to get tired you will get fault lights appearing on the dash, indicating the ESP needs servicing. There's no need to, just install a new battery. Other than that, it's well built and reliable.

Marcus Philipsen: We've owned our 2011 Grand Vitara Prestige V6 since early in 2014 and it has now done 87,000 km. It has plenty of cabin space for four adults, it's quiet, comfortable, easy to drive, visibility is good, the 5-speed auto is very smooth, and it easily tows our boat, which weighs about 1500 kg when loaded. Driving around the metro area gets about 11 L/100 km. Our only complaints are a knock in the front suspension, which we're told is worn bushes, and the limited trailer couplings you can use with the factory tow hitch to avoid hitting the spare wheel cover.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER

Mitsubishi Outlander – 2008-2013 Good all-rounder with comfortable ride and decent handling on road while still reasonably competent on bush tracks. Pay $8500-$33,500. 4 stars.

Subaru Forester – 2008-2013 No longer number one, but still popular, particularly for its on-road drivability and five-star safety. Pay $9500-$39,000. 4 stars.

Toyota RAV4 – 2008-2013 Popular SUV with loads of cabin space, good performance on road and decent economy, and there's also a two-wheel drive version. Pay $10,000-$36,500. 3.5 stars

COMING UP

Do you own a Range Rover Discovery 4? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.