Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Ok so the misses currently has a 94 swb vitara with the g16a engine. It been a great car but it's time to upgrade. We will be keeping that car to take our dogs in as they drop a shitload of hair and they aren't getting in the other car. Any way been looking at the 5 door vitaras in the late 90s model the square shape with the v6 engine and the early new shape say up to 04. Now the new shape comes in a v6 as well but have seen some 4 cyl as well.

Now which one would be better to get and what should I be looking for and what should I run away from.

Looking to spend around say 5-7k mainly as it will be just a run around car for the misses and kids so they stop driving my cruiser around

For a run-around $5-7K will get you a good early Grand Vitara - 5 doors (LWB) were a 2.5L V6, which was a good little motor for a relatively light car. 98-04ish.
(3dr SWB also came with a 1.6 4cyl, the EFI version of the motor in your 94 Vit. Some also got the 2L 4cyl.)

The earlier ones (closer to the original shape) were 2L, either a V6 in the LWB or 4cyl in the SWB. These can be had for less, leaving more cash for mods if that's of any interest.

The V6 motors have a tendency to develop a nasty timing chain rattle, which at least gives you some warning before they let go. The timing setup is a bit complicated, so replacement is an expensive exercise. Otherwise they are pretty solid and reliable, I don't know of many that have had major issues, or a particular issue that recurs regularly.

With your budget and intended use I'd point you towards an early LWB GV V6. You should be able to find something running a 40mm lift and 235/75 ATs which will get you just about anywhere a family car would ever want to go. If you go manual pre-01 I think you'll also get the steel front diff which is a big bonus over the weak alloy fronts on other models.

you should be able to get a good early lwb v6 GV for the money you have if you keep good oil up to it changed frequently the timing chain issue will not be a problem.
they are a sweet engine plenty of power and pretty good economy. try for a manual as darkhourse has said to get the steel diff.
be aware that the air inlet is behind the passenger headlight so AVOID water crossings that are more than sill deep or fit a snork.
the front diff is air operated and if not used for a fair while (years) can seize up and leave you in 2wd
i have had darkhorse try to drag me out of the sand
i would recommend mod wise lift , tyres , snorkel.

overall you can get a lot of car for your money that is great on the road and good for light off roading ( like all things can be modded )
although after 12mths i am looking forward to getting back in a more off road type of car next week