Buying a Grand Vitara

[Kell]

Hi guys/gals,

Am looking to get a 98/99/00 model Grand Vitara.

I am wanting to know what I should be looking out for when looking around for one. I have had a bit of a look on at the various online for sale places and for one of that year most of them have around 190,000 km on the clock and are around $8,500.00. Is that about normal?

Thanks peoples.

Kell

[built4thrashing]

I bought mine for $5k without reg with 163,000kms on it. Check for damage to the cross members. rust behind the plastic trims and engine noise. Timing chain rattle is common but easilly fixed is its not excessive. Lifters can become noisy if wrong oil has been used. Clutch should have been replaced if kms are up around the 180-200k mark.


B4T

[Kell]

Thanks for that will have a look for all that when I go to have a look

[scooby_74]

Other things you should be looking for on a 98 model is put it in 4WD and turn it in a circle on firm gravel to make sure the front diff does not bang.
If you are looking at an auto put it in high range drive with your foot on the brake as hard as you can in a straight line to make sure the transfer does not jump out ow 4WD you only need go 50mtrs to prove this fault.
They are 2 common problems in the type 1 of the grand vitara, most of the vehicles got fixed under waranty. Both are fairly expensive to fix so watch out for them.

[tate_alec]

saw this one on ebay today
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1999-Suzuki-Gran ... 230f281725" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[built4thrashing]

There are a few know probl;ems with the front diff in the GV. The vac opperated locking system can "skip" a tooth when under high load and cause a Banging noise. First time you hear it you will think something has broken. but its just worn out. The best option is to replace the front ctr with an earlier Vit one and fit manual hubs. problem fixed permanently.

and there was a factory recall on a problem with early t/cases. a gear was replaced and fixed a problem with it slipping when in 4wd lo.

Oh and i found this. timing chain issue. nothing serious.
http://www.suzukiinfo.com/vitara/tsb_ts-07-03014r2.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;