Suzuki Vitara (1988 - 2000)
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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| Depreciation |  |
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| Equipment | |
| Handling | |
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| Styling | |
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A certain image. Loud music accompanies some Vitaras as they cruise the streets of Britain's cities and suburbs. If you want to remain anonymous, try and find a virgin example, which remains as it came off the boat from Japan; otherwise, this is not your car. On the other hand, if you want something that says you're 'kickin', then look no further. The Vitara is actually fine as an off roader, but the part-time four-wheel drive system is probably only used rarely by most owners. Still, it's good to have it for those mornings when you wake to find a sudden fall of snow. You won't be in one of those cars that are sliding all over the road.
The majority of cars on the market have the 1.6-litre engines (standard and 16v). Prices range from as little as £1,000, and rise to just under £4,500 for newer cars. If you'd prefer a five-door, you can pick up a L-reg JLX SE 16v for just over £1,500. A J-plater will be about £200 cheaper. More recent examples tend to be a bit pricey: an N-reg, to the same spec, will be nearer £2,400 and even an 'M' will set you back about £2,000. The frugal turbo diesels are not nearly as popular but worth keeping an eye out for. You should pay about £3,200 for a 1996 N-reg car (the automatic arrived a year before the first 97P manuals which start at about £2,600) but choice is more limited. The 2.
0-litre V6 is a zippy little motor but a strange engine to put in an off roader, if that's what this model really is - though maybe Suzuki knew most would never leave the bitumen. The first 1995 M-platers should be around £3,000 and more recent 'Rs' from about £3,500.
If your Vitara has been used extensively off road, you'll soon see. That's not necessarily a worry, just cause for some extra bargaining with the seller. Paint scratches and minor dents on the underside will be obvious tell-tales. The engines are strong and reliable but always check the service history if you can. The 2.
0 V6 loves to rev so check for damage (look for a smoky exhaust), especially if the seller is waxing lyrical to you about his car's amazing on-the-limit handling.
(Based on a 8v 1.6 three-door and exclusive of VAT) A clutch will set you back about £320 and a new exhaust £210, however this does include the cost of a catalyst. Front shocks are close to £80 each. An alternator comes in just under £150, as does an exchange starter motor.
A new windscreen will be just under £120 and an exchange radiator about £75. Replacement door mirrors are around the £85 mark.
On the road, as long as you take it easy, a Vitara will handle adequately. If you try and push it, however, particularly on bumpy surfaces, you'll soon want to back off - despite those racy looks. Like many 4x4s, the short wheelbase and high centre of gravity lead to pitching, front to rear, as you drive along on undulating B roads. In extreme circumstances, it might even make your passengers car sick, especially if the shock absorbers are also worn. The steering is fine by off road standards, but a bit ponderous for an enthusiast driver.
Remember, this is a car that has been designed for a life both on and off the road and you may well forgive the compromised driving characteristics.
Like any 4x4, drive before you buy, just in case you were expecting the handling of a sports car. That's not what the Vitara's about. It's a practical car that you can play and show off in, as well as take off road. You couldn't say that about a GTi, could you?
