Used Suzuki Grand Vitara

What to know before buying: Suzuki Grand Vitara

From 3 forum threads · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners praise its four-wheel drive and ability in snow, forests and off-road; the 1999 model has a frame and low-range gearing.[1][3]
• The three-door version is agile in town, with a high seating position and large mirrors, but rear-seat and luggage space are limited.[1]one source
• Short-wheelbase versions can pitch and feel unstable on rough or rutted roads; they suit a relaxed pace better than fast motorway driving.[1][3]
• Several owners report good durability from 2.0-litre petrol versions, although performance—especially when overtaking—is often considered modest.[1][2][3]

Typical faults

• Front anti-roll-bar bushes are repeatedly described as a weak point, with owners reporting frequent replacement and knocks over bumps.[1]one source
• One owner reported a rear-axle oil-seal failure at 90,000 km and attributed it to a factory defect.[1]one source

  90 000–90 000 km

• A forum report identifies cracking of the engine block as an inherent factory defect of the 2.4-litre petrol engine.[2]one source

  2.4 petrol

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox is a sensible choice for relaxed driving: reports praise durability but describe modest performance.[1][2][3]

What to avoid

• Choose the 2.4-litre petrol version only after a thorough engine inspection, as one source reports a factory defect involving block cracking.[2]one source

What to check at the inspection

• During the test drive, cross small bumps and listen for front-end knocks; inspect the anti-roll-bar bushes and control-arm bushes.[1]one source
• Inspect the rear axle for signs of oil leakage around its seals.[1]one source
• Inspect the low-mounted transfer case and underbody protection; owners note limited clearance there and a risk of off-road damage.[1]one source
• On a body-on-frame example, check carefully for crash repairs and verify alignment, as an impact-damaged frame can cause instability.[3]one source
• Compare the tyre size with the factory specification; a 1999-car owner reported that overly wide tyres reduced stability.[3]one source
• On the 2.4-litre petrol engine, check for block cracks and signs of coolant leakage.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]forum.110km.ru — Форум Suzuki Grand Vitara Сузуки Гранд Витара · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Suzuki Grand Vitara atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
3. [3]iauto.lv — Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum

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