Opinions on Suzuki Grand Vitara?

jeeg on 07/03/2016 - 11:28
Last edited 07/03/2016 - 18:40 by 1 other user

Hello, we are trying to budget for replacing our current SUV which is getting very old. There are obviously many many good SUVs out there but our wallet is not that deep.

Came across the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4L Auto for $27.990 (price from website) and seems a good deal?

Have never own a Suzuki before so wanted to solicit some opinions please.

We currently drive a Honda CRV 2000 which is now 16 years old. Yes times flies. We don't go offroad really…maybe a bit of dirt road sometimes (but also rarely)…and we don't need to tow a caravan or boat or something.

A friend was suggesting the Hyundai Tucson but that will cost upwards of $40K for the AWD version.

Opinions please?

Thanks

Related Stores

Suzuki Australia

• 

  Mackeg02 on 07/03/2016 - 11:57

  +1

  if you don't go off road then you don't really need the AWD option. This would obviously make the Tucson Active x (and other similar vehicles) a bit cheaper at $35000 drive away but I'm sure you can could negotiate a better deal or get a demo for about $30,000.

  I think the Grand Vitara is smaller then the CRV.

  • 

    jeeg on 07/03/2016 - 13:16

    Many thanks for that. Appreciated the list.

  • 

    rigby75 on 08/03/2016 - 08:38

    The ix35 hasn't been sold for a while now but you may get lucky and a dealer my have a 2014 plate or demo unsold.

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  Hellfire on 07/03/2016 - 14:24

  I think they recently introduced a 2WD Grand Vitara. This is probably the pricing you are seeing.

• 

  Peace Maker on 07/03/2016 - 15:20

  +2

  If you want a Suzuki, PM spackbace, he sells them! I think he's in WA too.

  • 

    jeeg on 07/03/2016 - 15:21

    Thanks bud.

  • 

    Associatedspackbace @ Suzuki Australia on 07/03/2016 - 18:45

    +4

    Cheers for that, I do and I am :)

    That price is the 2WD. 4WD is $32990 d/a

    Good reliable cars. In some ways they don't stack up against more modern designs ('only' a 4 speed gearbox etc), but it comes standard with a Garmin GPS for the price. And a decent CPS/Warranty.

    Japanese built, and won't give you any issues.

    Flick me a pm, I work in Midland :)

    • 

      jeeg on 07/03/2016 - 23:24

      Thanks for that. I will look into the other SUVs as well.

    • 

      Mad Max on 05/04/2016 - 12:29

      Hi Spackbace,
      I never considered the Grand Vitara.
      It seems like good value.
      2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara Sport Manual 4x4 $29890 d/a
      I did a search on carsales and it is the only off road 4wd (they list as such in lifestyle choice) that comes up new around the $30k mark.
      How does it go off road? I see it has low range.
      Would you recommend it to tow a 1.6t caravan (uphill perhaps)?

      • 

        Associatedspackbace @ Suzuki Australia on 05/04/2016 - 12:45

        Not a bad price for the 2015. The 2016 brand new is $31,990 d/a

        Very, very capable off-road. Suzuki have always had an extensive 4wd heritage, from the Sierra/Jimny to the Grand Vitara. Big hobby following behind the brand, so should be able to find some good owners forums.

        Rated to 1.7-1.8T towing, so it depends on the proper figures for that 1.6T as to whether it can legally do it. Honestly I haven't towed with one so I can't say.

        Just fit some good all-terrain tyres and it will be good to go :)

      • 

        Mad Max on 05/04/2016 - 13:05

        @Spackbace:
        Thanks Spackbace.
        I will go and test drive it.
        The caravan is 1.6t atm and I currently tow it with a Falcon EL 4l 6cyl. The 4l Falcon specs show a lot more torque and power than the 2.4l 4cyl Grand Vitara, but it does not like it uphill. You definitely feel that the engine works hard.
        If you want to keep it on 100km/h on flat it does not stay on 4th overdrive. Very slightly uphill and I normally put it in 3rd gear.

• 

  resisting the urge on 08/03/2016 - 15:16

  +1

  Overall Honda, Nissan and Suzuki are the best of the Japanese cars.

  This is the new model now which is a major change (ie. a 'platform' or body change), so if you can wait for the next one you'll probably have an option of a bigger engine and/or a better version of the current one.

  If buying an auto and anything you look at still has a 4 speed unit then wait for sure- they'll be updating it in short order (to something like a 5-8 speed model or CVT), any of which will mean much better performance and economy. Wait for that for sure- or just buy the manual one which will be much more fun anyhow.

  … that said but Suzuki don't update their engines as regularly as the bigger manufacturers…

  Be sure to look at the Skoda and the VW though. Not sure about the Ford Kuga- it could be good, but is it (?)

  • 

    jeeg on 08/03/2016 - 15:32

    Thanks for the informative reply. I learn something new.

  • 

    Ametric on 08/03/2016 - 16:09

    +1

    Ford Kuga uses focus' base, which is one of the best (if not one) in the class in terms of handling. It's comfortable and drives really nice…

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 08/03/2016 - 17:21

      +1

      Test drove a few with the intention to buy. Solid build, great handling and acceleration (way better than the outlander we were comparing it to). Would have bought but decided that it would not suit our lifestyle at that point.

      • 

        Ametric on 08/03/2016 - 22:11

        Solid build, great handling and acceleration

        yes, exactly my thoughts :)

    • 

      Associatedspackbace @ Suzuki Australia on 08/03/2016 - 16:30

      where do you go from a 1.6 in a compact SUV?

      OP is referring to the Grand Vitara, I believe some people are thinking of the Vitara, which is the baby brother. Grand Vitara is a 2.4L, and is getting a replacement in like 2+yrs (certainly not in the close future), Vitara is the new 'baby' SUV in the likes of the CX-3, Trax, etc

      • 

        Associatedspackbace @ Suzuki Australia on 08/03/2016 - 17:19

        @Cheap Charlie:

        We've had it for a couple of years now

      • 

        resisting the urge on 15/03/2016 - 15:23

        @Cheap Charlie: Don't believe the media hype about DSG, VAG had one mistake (years ago) which was a major design fault but such problems are not uncommon with most manufacturers, especially with those that lead the field with complex driveline technologies. Understand that and DSG is the best performing auto you can get in a normal car (despite being one of the most complex they work very reliably)- nothing like the appliance-grade crap they put in most.

        That said no new cars are not designed to be repaired or last very long.

        Manufacturers never no decrease engine size over time unless they add turbos and/or switch to an upgraded transmission from a previously dated set of mechanicals, perhaps like the Suzuki's effort with this model.

        Remember the new model has to be more powerful than the old model otherwise the marketers would resign en-masse (well ok, they would at least try something before admitting defeat), whilst the customers would abandon the model shortly thereafter.

        Noone tries very hard in this industry anymore, except for Elon Musk's mob. BTW, OP have you thought of buying a second hand car and waiting for the cheap Tesla?

        Note the latest info from CHOICE that shows that many (if not most) new cars are less reliable than my 32 year old BMW…

      • 

        Associatedspackbace @ Suzuki Australia on 15/03/2016 - 15:27

        @zerovelocity:

        waiting for the cheap Tesla?

        The 'cheap' Tesla? Please explain

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  aks on 01/05/2017 - 15:07

  i have just bought 2015 suzuki grand vitara navigator model white color and only drove 20000km for $ 19999. and been driving around city area in perth. and i am very happy with the built quality. very smooth running, bigger space inside GPS,camera. it is very reliable car compare to other suv in market and resale value is best. don't know what else to say but its good choice worth for money. and best decision.