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Used Suzuki Grand Vitara review: 2008-2012

EXPERT RATING
8
Graham Smith reviews the used 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara, their fine points, flaws and what to watch for when you are buying them.

Suzuki once had the compact four-wheel drive market almost to itself, but booming SUV sales have seen almost every other carmaker enter the fray.

New

While the small Suzuki wagons like the Grand Vitara look similar to other SUVs they're different. Most notably they're four-wheel drivers rather than front-wheel drive passenger models adapted for the purpose.

The Grand Vitara will happily cruise around town but it's equally at home on Australia's rough bush tracks.

That means they're still going in rough and rugged going long after regular SUVs have cried enough.

The Grand Vitara will happily cruise around town, pick the kids up from school, do the shopping, but it's equally at home on Australia's rough and rutted bush tracks.

While its bush cred has never been in question its townie appeal was when compared to rivals that offered more comfort and more features.

The new JT model introduced into the SUV war in 2008 went some way to addressing those concerns.

It was made up of three and five-door wagon body styles, and there was a selection of models ranging from the Grand Vitara to the Grand Vitara Prestige.

It looked little different to the earlier model; you had to take a closer look to see the longer bumper and new alloy wheels.

Beyond that it got more safety gear with side and curtain airbags, and electronic stability control.

There was good news under the Vitara's bonnet too, with new engines that injected it with new life. Gone were the rather lifeless four-cylinder engines, and in their place was a trio of engines that had more performance and were also more economical.

The base engine was a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that significantly boosted the performance over the rather asthmatic 1.6-litre unit it replaced.

On top of that there was a lusty 3.2-litre quad-cam V6 that had plenty of punch for towing, while being more economical than the 2.7-litre V6 it replaced.

There was also the option of a turbo-diesel engine that delivered economy to the tune of 7.0 L/100 km.

Depending on the model you could choose from a 5-speed manual gearbox, and four and five-speed autos, but all came with dual-range full-time four-wheel drive.

Now

Suzukis are renowned for their quality and durability, but their jewel-like engines need to be well serviced. Clean oil is the way to keep them ticking over in good health.

Check for a service record, it's very important, and it's even better if people who know Suzukis have done the work.

If you're thinking of buying a diesel ask the vendor about the oil that's been used, as that can have an effect on the clogging of the particulate filter, which is something to be avoided.

There has been one recall affecting the Vitara, it was in 2011 and related to the engine drive belt tension pulley. A problem with the internal spring could case a loss of tension in the drive belt causing warning lights to falsely illuminate. Contact a Suzuki dealer to check if the car you are thinking of buying is one of those affected.

If you suspect a car has been used extensively offroad check it thoroughly

The Grand Vitara is very capable offroad, which is great if you want to go offroad, but not so great if you're buying one that's been beaten about the bush.

If you suspect a car has been used extensively offroad check it thoroughly, particularly underneath where it could have sustained rock damage, or come into contact with obstacles that are found in the wild.

The good news from owners we consulted is that the Vitara gives little trouble; it's a car you can buy with confidence.

Pricing

Year Price From Price To
2012 $8,250 $20,460
2011 $6,380 $16,500
2010 $6,050 $14,080
2009 $4,950 $13,200
2008 $4,510 $12,870

View all Suzuki Grand Vitara pricing and specifications

Pricing guides

$9,900
Based on 33 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$6,999
Highest Price
$14,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
(4X4) 2.0L, ULP, 4 SP AUTO $8,140 – 11,440 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 (4X4) Pricing and Specs
Trekker 2.7L, ULP, 5 SP MAN $4,510 – 6,710 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 Trekker Pricing and Specs
Prestige (4x4) 2.7L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $7,370 – 10,450 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 Prestige (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Prestige Trekker 2.7L, ULP, 5 SP AUTO $9,130 – 12,870 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 Prestige Trekker Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Graham Smith
Contributing Journalist

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