Suzuki Club UK

Hello!

I am a new writer here, but I have been a long time reader. Seeing a lot of quality talk/writing being done here, I believe that someone can help me with my evaluation.

I currently drive Suzuki Jimny and I am very happy with it. It is my main and only car - I use it for commuting, long distance driving, various off road trips, etc.
However, now I need a larger vehicle, and a five door Vitara would be just perfect.

As I would definitely prefer a proper off-roader with solid rear axle, body on frame and reduction gearing, I originally intended to search for a good condition Vitara Mk2 ("Grand Vitara") (1998-2005). That it the last such Vitara.

However, I recently bumped onto two very well preserved Vitara Mk1 cars, one made in 2003 and another made in 2004!
I thought that Vitara Mk1 was discontinued in 1998.


So, now I have a decision to make - to go for 1st gen or 2nd gen Vitara.

What would be some important differences between these two generations? Of course, Vitara 2 has more modern and aesthetically plesing interior. But I am asking about build quality (chassis, bodywork, transmission, suspension), endurance, on road manners, off road capability, and so on.
Also, are there any significant structural and functional differences? Both cars appear to have very similar design (drivetrain, suspension, 4wd system).



I am looking forward to some information and tips!

The 98-2005 grand vitara is very similar underneath, same transmission and pretty much identical axles/drivetrain.

The rear suspension set up is a 3link with a frame on the mk1 but it's a 4 link with panhard (5 link) on the rear of the GV, I've driven both and think I prefer the the GV tbh.

Also with the GV you have a better choice of engines, all the petrol engines are 16v and you have the option of the j20a in the gv2000 etc, it's a brilliant engine with plenty of power if looked after properly I.e. Good oils and filters are used and changed regularly. Don't think there's much difference in economy either.

It will probably be easier to find one that doesn't have rusty bodywork as well, they do rust just like the older vits but being newer they are usually a lot better.

As for aftermarket mods, there's plenty available for both.

He ^^^ is right but the mk1 looks better

Thank you very much for the answer. It helps me in my case.

I would not normally consider a Vitara 1 as I thought that the production ceased long ago in 1998. So I was originally looking for a Vitara 2 made around 2003-2005. But now I encountered two Vitaras 1 for sale, one made in 2003 and another in 2004, both with very low mileage and in rather good condition, scarcely driven off road in their lives.

That is the reason why I am now considering both generations, as I can get either Vitara 1 or 2 in good condition.


I would prefer a diesel engine because of fuel economy (in my country, buying a diesel pays off quickly).

I do not know much about diesel engines used in Vitaras 1 and 2. Can someone please give me some info? As far as I learned, Vitara 2 used two types of 2.0l diesel engines. Who made them, how much kW are they and what are the differences?

What diesel engines did Vitara 1 use?

Hi. Sorry I don't know about the various diesels other than I think one is a Peugeot engine and the other is Mazda.

Something worth noting is that in the UK at least the Grand Vitara had a facelift for late 2003/early 2004 models and the interior is considerably more modern on the models after that.