Possible new member - help needed with vehicle choice!

[CFB]

Afternoon all

Considering a move from the dark (green oval) side as looking for a reliable play-thing!

I know nothing about the (2000>2006) Grand Vitara's off road abilities and or shortcomings so am struggling a bit in terms of what to buy. So I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me answer? It will be used for off road as a second car, nothing extreme but ideally want it to be as capable as say a Discovery 1 Tdi without the rot and other troubles!

1. Prefer the look of the LWB but is it a worse choice for off-road due to the wheelbase and therefore clearance on break-over?
2. Which engine? Reliability is the factor, don't care about MPG, 1.6/2.0/2.5 or 2.0TD?
3. Biggest tyres? Without a lift I am thinking 235/70/16 but with a bits4vits 1.5% suspension lift how big can I go without further mods?
4. Any common things to look for when buying?

Sorry for all the q's but feel like I am stepping into the unknown and have a limited budget so need to get the purchase right.

AJ

[Edweird]

The first point pretty much explains itself. Not much difference to a Defender with regard to wheelbase. The longer chassis means you're more likely to get beached but it'll be more practical.
Personally, I've never heard of any of the engines across any of the Suzuki 4x4s being particularly unreliable apart from the carburettors on the G13B and G16B engines but as you're looking at a Grand Vitara instead (97-04) you won't be getting a carburetted one. More is more with regard to power, and I'm pretty sure the drivetrain in the 2.5 V6 is more durable than the others. The diesel will happier in deep water though.
As for the last two, I'm afraid I can't help much. Just look for general rot and dogey repairs I suspect. The upshot of Gen 1 GVs is a lot of them have had relatively easy urban lives but may need a clutch, steering and brake service.

[CFB]

That's really useful, thanks for the input