Buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara (2008-2015)

The Suzuki Grand Vitara isn't the kind of car that appeals readily to show-offs. Any time since 1998, when the original Grand Vitara appeared, you could have bought a new one and struggled to find anyone who even noticed.

The JT version we are considering arrived during 2008, accompanied by detail external changes but with significant engineering and mechanical improvements. These included an enlargement of the V6 engine from 2.7 to 3.2-litres and modifications to both the transmission and rear suspension.

Cheapest was the 2.4-litre, three-door, five-speed manual at $24,990. Four-speed automatic transmission was a popular option but there were few other options. That's not a surprise since the stock Grand Vitara package included climate-control air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and steering, a CD player and remote locking. Cruise control was for a while optional but in late 2010 became standard, in company with some other changes and a $1000 price increase.

Topping the revised range was a five-door Prestige grade with 2.4 litres and a four-speed auto transmission as standard. The V6 with five-speed automatic topped the heap and cost $39,990 before on-roads.

A powered sunroof, leather seat trim, six-stack CD sound system, multi-function steering wheel and a trip computer were standard for these versions. So too were 17-inch alloy wheels in place of steel 16s and Electronic Stability Control which supplemented the list of safety items fitted to all Grand Vitaras.

New geometry at the rear allowed extra wheel travel in rough terrain without the consequence of added body roll or instability on bitumen.

Looking to the MY13 upgrade, Suzuki repackaged its Grand Vitara to maximise appeal in the urban SUV market. In a version pretentiously badged 'Urban Navigator', rear-wheel drive was mandatory, however the design retained many of the attributes that helped 4WD versions achieve spectacular durability.

With manual transmission in a three-door body, the Navigator was priced at $25,990. The price included climate control air conditioning, a multi-function screen, cruise control and a trip computer.

Wheels on base models were steel and if you wanted 17-inch alloys (including a full-sized alloy spare wheel) they were part of the jump to a Luxury version at almost $4000 more. Sadly, Suzuki didn't take the opportunity at the time to uprate its mandatory automatic transmission from four to five speeds.

What it did though was discontinue the slow-selling V6, leaving a 122kW version of the 2.4-litre petrol motor as the only choice.

Also notable in an enlarged MY13 range was the Grand Vitara Sport version priced at $33,000. It was auto-only with 18-inch alloys, voice recognition technology, a reversing camera and speed sensitive stereo volume.

When reviewing an earlier version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara we emphasised its off-road abilities and perhaps by default ignored its competence as an everyday, sealed-road commuter. Let's set that to rights from the start.

Certainly the Grand Vitara cannot do the same job as a sporty two-seater or low-slung hatch but neither will these urban-area wonders get very far from the barge when disembarking at Fraser Island.

The Grand Vitara 4WD five-door is a good compromise for the family, a couple or adventurous singles who want a roomy, relatively economical five-seater that will still tackle seriously challenging rough stuff or tow a camper or boat.

Hopping aboard unless side-steps are fitted is a bit hard on the hammies but once aboard the cloth is not too scratchy and the seats decently shaped with plenty of adjustment.

Later versions with the smaller, petrol-only engine prove you don't need a V6 or diesel to manage difficult terrain. Sand is a favourite Grand Vitara surface, a place where the combination of low-range ratios and the differential lock help it maintain momentum while more powerful but heavier 4WDs dig in.

The full-time 4WD system distributes engine torque equally through the front and rear differentials and can be locked in Low Range via a dash-mounted selector. Short overhangs help when traversing rutted tracks and sharp crests. Here the stumpy three-door does its job a little more easily than the five-door with 200mm extra between the axles.

If you want load space, get a five-door. Even with five aboard there is a decent space behind the seats and with the rear seat down, long loads become viable. One imitation though is the side-hinged door that doesn't allow items to poke out the back, as can happen also with a conventional top-hinged hatch.

Despite airbags, ABS and other safety devices across the range, Grand Vitaras took until 2015 before earning the coveted Five Star ANCAP rating for occupant protection. Prior to that and due almost entirely to an ordinary result in the offset crash test, Grand Vitaras were granted a Four Star rating.

People who buy these vehicles will not have performance as a top-of-mind tribute item and that's just as well. Early V6s will crack 10 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash but 2.4 autos struggle to better 13 seconds.

Average fuel consumption from the 2.4-litre was claimed to be 9.9L/100km, however commuters with an automatic version may see figures closer to 13 litres/100km when battling city traffic. Off-road slogging through sand or in the rough terrain will use even more so make sure the 66-litre tank is full before a bush or beach jaunt.

>> Grand Vitaras are well-designed off-roaders with not too much underneath that's vulnerable. That said, check dented sills, underbody scrapes that are beginning to rust or for a crushed exhaust. Also check the transmission cradle, which can sag. Heavy-duty replacements are available.

>> JT Series Grand Vitaras have been subject to recalls for diverse reasons. In 2011 some cars were recalled to fix a problem with the power-steering drive belt; then in 2017 came notification of a more serious issue which could cause gearbox failures in pre-2013 models.

>> While not typical, cracks can develop in the cylinder heads of four-cylinder models and in engine blocks made before 2010. A professional pre-purchase inspection will identify signs that a problem exists or a repair has been attempted.

>> Avoid automatics that thump or shudder when down-changing or take more than a second to respond after reverse is selected.

>> Make sure that all dash warning lights illuminate when the ignition is switched on and they go off when the engine starts. Rattles when starting can be due to worn timing chain tensioners. These supposedly last at least 120,000km, however some have failed in Vitaras showing 70-100,000km. If the engine ticks or whirrs, get it checked.

>> Sand and grit gets past rubber seals and into transmission components. Look for grease leaking from split rubbers and listen for low-speed transmission or wheel bearing noise.

>> Battery positioning is inconvenient and it may be best to engage a professional installer with a lifting sling or at least strong forearms to replace it.

>> Inspect the rear door for signs that the spare wheel carrier is damaging the paint or door skin itself. While there, check that the tyre is actually there, has legal tread and is properly inflated.

Used vehicle grading for Suzuki Grand Vitara
Design & Function: 12/20
Safety: 11/20
Practicality: 13/20
Value for Money: 14/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
Score: 60/100