Returning to the 4x4 fold

[1deepee]

It seems that I may have to return to the fold once again. Having been a 4x4 owner for more than 25 years, I may soon require a smaller bodied 4x4 which is also capable of towing. Off road use will be 3-4 times a year and failrly rugged. I am considering a 5 door Vitara around 2000 to 2005 Towing over 1200kg it will need to be 2.0 or greater, petrol or diesel. Suggestions please and most importantly, expected fuel consumption. I look forward to your expert advice as to where to put my money. Thanks, 1deepee

[twiss]

Id probably get a grand vitara for towing... Bit bigger, 1850kg (braked) tow capacity
I think the Lwb 5 door vitara is about 1500kg capacity
I would go for a diesel but they have reliability issues with their immobilisers
I'm told the v6 is good, but I would still consider getting a diesel and having rhinoman pre-emptively fix the ecu

[donkeychomp]

The V6 is good...eats fuel and the cam chains are a bugger, but I'd love one in my Vit!

[ScottieJ]

The V6 is good...eats fuel and the cam chains are a bugger, but I'd love one in my Vit!

The cam chains and tensioners are only a bugger if people haven't used the correct oil and kept up with servicing.

My old one wasn't that bad on fuel until you put your foot down

[twiss]

Did you ever tow anything with yours? Bet it will drink it with a 1200kg+ trailer on the back!!!

[RickUK]

I have the old Vitara LWB with the 2.0ltr V6 its the manual version,have to admit when i 1st bought it the fuel consuption was my biggest worry,but i am finding that i am getting over 30mpg with it,pure pleasure to drive.

Must admit that if you use it on a traffic light grandprix initially off the lights alot of boy racer's wonder what has hit them for the 1st few yards but then you throttle back as you can then see the fuel gauge move very fast as well.But for every day driving then i must admit have never regretted buying it.

Cannot comment on using it as a tug with 1200kgs on the rear end but it would certainly pull it with ease,manual box would be much better suited i feel.

But if its just used to tug the caravan or trailor a few times a year then it could be a very good choice,but if you plan on using it for load lugging every day then i would suggest the diesel option over the longer period of time.

[twiss]

Depends what you're towing really I think... if its a caravan and it weighs 1200kgs, it wouldn't be that difficult to add another 300kg with equipment, water, gas, etc and put it over the towing capacity
They you also have to include the weight of the grand vitara (1375kg I think), passengers, and stuff in the car... and make sure the whole thing isn't over 3500kg

On the other hand if you're towing a 700kg car on a 500kg trailer (for example) and you know its not going to go over 1500kg it should be fine...

[1deepee]

Thanks for the help chaps. I have been down in Cornwall for a week and a bit, on and off, checking out possible hills for the 2016/17 Lands End Trial. Rode shotgun in a V6, and wept at the petrol consumption. This one is probably not for me. Also rode in a moded X90 with a 2.0l engine fitted. Might look a hairdressers drive, but goes extremely well. Will have to check out the diesel so up for info and mpg on that.
Regards, deepee

[ScottieJ]

Did the x90 have a j20 out of a grand vitara?? It's an awesome engine. I have one in te workshop to go in a future project

[1deepee]

Hi Cottie J,
Am not sure. I know it that is is a petrol engine in keeping with the original, Over time he has changed over quite a lot of bits, diffs, gearbox ratios etc to make it climb. It is the 2wd version not the 4x4. He has marched it off home to Gibralter now for the time being, but in terms of X90s it is a bit if a beast, but looks completely standard except for the extra spare wheels. But he did say, more than once, "never ever again" I know that initially he had a lot of problems with the electrics.
Regards, deepee