Suzuki Problems

We haven’t had any other reports of a problem, but it could be that the windscreen is too tight in the opening, and given the cold weather of recent weeks, the flexing in the body could be enough to initiate a crack. I would not accept Suzuki’s explanation and press for a proper investigation.

The dealers set the price for the servicing and I believe they charge what they think the local market will cop. Before deciding on which dealer to do the service quiz them on why they charge what they do, and tell them you've done your homework. On your second point I agree that if they break the nuts and caps they should pay for the replacement parts, and I would put that to the dealer before agreeing to have them service your car.

Because of the long time that has passed since the crash it will be very hard to connect the problems you are having to the prang. Crank angle sensors often fail on all makes and models, I wouldn't attribute that to the crash, and the head and head gasket problems you have had are unlikely to be related either. The second instance of head cracking and the head gasket failure are more likely to be the result of poor repairs to the head when it first cracked.

The Grand Vitara is a full-time 4WD wagon, so I’d be talking to your dealer and have them check the drive train to the front wheels, and for starters change the oil in the front diff.

IF YOU want to update to a smaller, safer and more efficient car, look at a VW Polo diesel. It'll be more economical than your current car. It will also be safer and give you a good 10 years of service.

THE Territory will do everything you want. It's not a four-wheel drive as such and won't go where a Patrol or a LandCruiser would, but it is quite capable off the beaten track. Ground clearance can be a problem in really rough going -- we grounded one in a deep wheel rut on a forest track, flattened the fuel tank, and knocked off the rear bumper on a steep climb when we tested it a couple of years ago. Despite all of that it kept going.