Looking to buy

[ScottieJ]

1. SJ
2. Jimny
3. Vitara

To be honest for an off roader the only Suzuki I would buy is an SJ, yes the others can be good but none of them compare to an SJ from the factory.

[ROBBIE]

1. SJ
2. Jimny
3. Vitara

To be honest for an off roader the only Suzuki I would buy is an SJ, yes the others can be good but none of them compare to an SJ from the factory.

1 and 2 have proper front axle 3 is independent front

[Rob180bhp]

I think the vitara makes the most sense for me
I'll start looking this weekend

What are the engines like anything to look out for
Are they good for high millage?
Any gearbox or diff issues to look out for

Is there a buyers guide anywhere

Thanks for the replies

[ROBBIE]

the auto choke quite often fails on carbed engine

[Rhinoman]

a 4u2 or other vitras are a ladder chassis
and grand vitras a monocoque chassis

I'm pretty sure that the GVs only went monocoque in 2006 or thereabouts.

The worst spot for rust on the Vitara is around the rear seat belt mounts, they can be bad when the rest looks spotless.

[Rob180bhp]

the auto choke quite often fails on carbed engine

What old vitara are injection I really don't want a car model

[ScottieJ]

Rhinoman is correct it's only post 2006 GVs are monocoque. Up to 2005 have a ladder chassis.

[Rob180bhp]

I'd rather buy a gv and get a newer car less miles etc
What are they like modding wise compared to a vitara
Are they the same underneath as a vitara

[ScottieJ]

The GVs are similar underneath and I think there are less aftermarket suspension parts available for them compared to the vitara, they are also a bit heavier.

The front steering on the GV has a rack instead of a steering box like the vitara.

They also have 4-link with panhard rear suspension instead of 3 link with A-frame like the vitara so you need a longer panhard rod when running more than 2" lift. front suspension is pretty much the same on both I think.

The good thing about GVs is that you can get the GV2000 with the J20a, it's an awesome engine and I have one to go in one of my SJs

[Rhinoman]

the auto choke quite often fails on carbed engine

What old vitara are injection I really don't want a car model

All 16V models are injection, 8V models after around 1994 should be injection. Its not hard to tell, the carb model has a big round air filter mounted on top of the carb, injection models have the airbox mounted on the inner wing.