Production of the Suzuki Grand Vitara compact crossover began in 1998. Today, the production of cars has been discontinued, since the “samurai” has been replaced by a new model with the same name, but in a completely new configuration. The old version of the car is interesting and unique. It has a permanent four-wheel drive, center differential and its lock. With a permanent drive, the "Japanese" is almost the most off-road car in its class.
Grand Vitara feels confident off-road, overcoming mud, ice and snow-covered roads. Before purchasing a legendary car, of course, it is best to find out what its engine resource is.
Lines of power units
Over its history, the crossover has received a large number of different power plants, which, to one degree or another, have become famous for their reliability and unpretentiousness. In most cases, Japanese engineers equipped their designs with just a couple of motors, but in the case of a completely different story. The buyer can choose from engine options from 1.6 to 3.2 liters with different boost levels. Also, the line of engines includes not only gasoline, but also diesel modifications.
One of the most popular and sought after is the two-liter J20A engine. The cylinder head and main body parts are made of aluminum alloy. The main advantage of the motor is the presence of hydraulic gap compensators. Due to the hydraulic lifters, the maintenance of the power unit is greatly simplified, and its resource is also increased.
The engine runs on average about 300 thousand kilometers before the first major overhaul. The manufacturer recommends using a special Suzuki Motor Oil engine oil, due to which it is possible to significantly reduce the negative effect of friction on the contact surfaces of the parts of the power unit.
Engine resource certified by the manufacturer
As the practice of operating the Suzuki Grand Vitara shows, the crossover engines are quite reliable, but still have some weaknesses. The power unit with a working volume of 1.6 liters is sensitive to overheating, it is also better to prevent oil "starvation" of this engine. The installed timing chain drive serves for 120 thousand kilometers, which, of course, adds reliability and a longer resource to the motor. To increase the life of the chain, the manufacturer recommends using only certified engine oil. An engine with a volume of 1.6 liters is also desirable to thoroughly warm up during severe frosts.
The manufacturer does not indicate any limits on the resource of the motors, but assures that all power units of the Suzuki Grand Vitara run at least 250 thousand kilometers. In order for the "heart" of the car to serve throughout the entire declared period, it is also necessary to use high-quality fuel. Engine spark plugs and a fuel filter, which comes complete with a gasoline pump, and a catalyst suffer from low-quality fuel. Any breakdown of these components of the fuel system significantly reduces the operating time. If you refuel with gasoline from a trusted supplier, undergo scheduled maintenance in a timely manner, then you can increase the life of the Suzuki Grand Vitara engine to 300 thousand kilometers.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner Reviews
Suzuki Grand Vitara is a classic, without all the superfluous. Such a car will serve faithfully, if it is given due attention. There are no turbocharged engines in the line of power units, and the manufacturer offers a time-tested hydromechanical gearbox as a transmission. The symbiosis of a reliable engine and an equally reliable box even today bribes many drivers to purchase the earliest generations of Grand Vitara. Without exaggeration, we can say that the Japanese have turned out to be a really cool car, without interior frills, but with a sharpened focus on the most important thing. The feedback from the owners of the crossover will be informative about the resource of the Suzuki Grand Vitara engine.
Modification 1.6
- Stanislav, Irkutsk. I have a new 2017 Suzuki Grand Vitara, the latest generation model. So far, I am satisfied with the car, although the mileage is quite meager. Recently passed only a run-in, changed the oil and began to pour recommended by the manufacturer. A friend has the same car, with an older generation 1.6-liter engine. I am also satisfied with the car, now under the hood of Vitara they put new engines, almost perfect. You don't need to adjust the valves, just get behind the wheel and go. I hope that at least 300,000 km will pass before urgent repairs are needed.
- Yuri, Simferopol. The car is good, but probably not for our roads. The chain began to ring already after 80 thousand kilometers due to excessive stretching. Replacement with a tensioner cost tens of thousands of rubles. Poor quality fuel also affects the engine resource. It is very difficult now to find a good supplier. It is best not to save and pour AI-95. I realized this when it was too late. I recently sold the car, drove 180 thousand km on the Suzuki Grand Vitara, after which I decided to change it.
- George, Moscow. My wife drives this 2014 crossover. The mileage is now about 45 thousand km, during this time the pump has already been changed under warranty, but there were no more problems. The consumption of the car is huge at speeds over 150 km, therefore, I do not recommend driving it if efficiency matters to you. The suspension is noisy, but not killed, the most it is for our roads. The engine runs quietly, stably, there are at least problems with the car, but there are some shortcomings, for example, weak body metal, as well as expensive maintenance. The dealership said that the Grand Vitara 1.6 runs 300,000 km.
This modification is equipped with a high-quality power unit, which requires increased attention. You can drive a crossover with a 1.6-liter engine under the hood for 250 or more thousand kilometers. The engine resource rests on high-quality and constant scheduled maintenance of the car.
Modification 2.0
- Mikhail, Tyumen. I will say, as a former owner of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 and 2.4. These cars have excellent transmissions, but the engines, frankly, let us down. Both "eat" oil, and about one liter per 1,000 km. The chain really runs about 120 thousand kilometers, I like that in this car you do not need to adjust the valves. For all the time there were no special problems with the engines, but the fixed costs of oil and fuel strained. Consumption is also about 12 liters in the city, which is a lot. In general, I recommend purchasing a Grand Vitara with an engine of 2.7 liters or more, for example, 3.2 liters. They are better quality and stronger.
- Sergey, Yekaterinburg. I will be brief: I did not like the car. Passed on the Suzuki Grand Vitara 200 thousand kilometers, after which he sold the car. The motor “eats” oil, and when the mileage reaches 100 thousand km, the “appetite” of the car increases significantly. I also didn't like that the engine was prone to knocking. The chain did not even live up to 100 thousand, it had to be changed at the turn of 70-75 thousand km, knocking and ringing began, the chain stretches very quickly.
- Alexander, Tula. I like the car for everyone. On his car in 1998 he passed 300,000 kilometers, quite successfully, after which he did a major overhaul. If engine detonation occurs, then it is necessary to change the fuel, switch to another octane number, the manufacturer himself recommends pouring AI-95. I recently refueled at Lukoil AI-95 and did not know any problems. Oil changed every 7 thousand km, filled with Liqui Moly 5W-30. In general, I am satisfied with the car, I recommend the modification with a 2.0 liter engine to everyone.
Suzuki Grand Vitara with a 2.0 engine is quite reliable, but it is whimsical about the quality of fuel and requires timely maintenance. Subject to the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency of scheduled maintenance, the crossover will last at least 300,000 km before the first major overhaul.
Modification 2.4
- Egor, Moscow. Hi all! I purchased a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 in 2007 from an authorized dealer. At first, the machine really pleased, but soon the first disappointments came. The engine began to “eat” oil, and the consumption increased to 1 liter per 1000 km. I went to a service center, where they told me that the flow rate was not up to standard, but no one could fix it. Most likely the piston rings are coked, and this is a very expensive repair. This happened due to low-quality fuel. I recently sold a car, a modification with a 2.4-liter engine is not suitable for use with us.
- Vadim, Voronezh. What can I say, the car is of high quality, reliable, but expensive to maintain. I have already traveled 50,000 kilometers on my car, during this time I went through scheduled maintenance five times, which on average costs a couple of hundred dollars. Change spark plugs, engine oil, filters and the like. Mobil 1 was poured into the engine, an expensive but very high-quality substance. In general, there were no problems with the engine over the years of operation. The main thing is to fill in good gasoline, since Suzuki engines are very sensitive to “nutrition”.
- Valery, Sochi. I had cars from the domestic auto industry, there was a Toyota Avensis, but recently I drive only Suzuki. The last "samurai" was the Grand Vitara with a 2.4 liter engine and a hydromechanical gearbox. I am happy with the car, and I do not intend to change in the near future. The only thing I don't like is the monthly maintenance costs of the car. The Grand Vitara is more expensive than other cars I've owned. Never had an engine problem.
In some cases, problems with the 2.4-liter engine can indeed be observed, however, low-quality fuel and engine oil mainly provoke breakdowns. With proper and timely maintenance, the modification of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 runs at least 250,000 kilometers.
From the history of the model
- On the conveyor: from 2005 to 2014
- Body: 3- or 5-door station wagon
- Russian range of engines: petrol, Р4, 1.6 (106 hp), 2.0 (140 hp), 2.4 (169 hp); V6, 3.2 (233 HP)
- Gearboxes: M5, A4, A5
- Drive unit: full
- Restyling: 2008 - new engines 2.4 and 3.2 became available; modified front bumper, fenders and grille; turn signal repeaters were transferred to the exterior rear-view mirrors, and a multifunction display was built into the dashboard. 2012 - redesigned wheels, front bumper and grille
- Crash tests: 2007, EuroNCAP; protection of the driver and adult passengers - four stars (30 points); protection of child passengers - three stars (27 points); pedestrian protection - three stars (19 points)
Sealing rubber bands on the doors quickly wipe the paintwork at the points of contact with the openings. And the seal on the trunk opening leaves a mark on the inner door panel.
Grand Vitara is a popular car. But, despite this fact and the need of the spare parts market for used body parts, it does not attract the attention of car thieves. With one exception: practically on an industrial scale, they steal the spare wheel cover on the tailgate. A new casing costs 25,000 rubles, and another five thousand will have to be paid extra if you want Suzuki to be on it.
The long life of the car on the conveyor was blossomed by two restyling. However, both did not bring significant changes to the design: technically, the cars of the last years of production are almost identical to the ten-year-old specimens. The old horse will not spoil the furrow!
Along with the most common five-door version, there is also a shortened three-door. Its version with a 1.6 engine, only a manual gearbox and a truncated transmission is in some demand - without a locking center differential and a reduced range of gears in the transfer case. Other modifications - with a full-fledged off-road transmission.
- With age, a slight sagging tailgate is inevitable due to the heavy spare tire. The issue is resolved with a minor adjustment.
- The optics do not cause trouble: they do not fog up and do not melt. An exception is a modification with xenon dipped beam, which is equipped with a mandatory headlight washer system. Her motor is at the very bottom of the tank, located behind the front bumper, and is not covered by anything. Two or three years are enough for its terminals coming out of the case to rot due to road dirt. The motor costs 6000 rubles.
- Engineers obviously miscalculated, making the honeycombs of engine and air conditioner radiators too small. The gap between them is quickly overgrown with a mud coat that interferes with cooling. It is the engine that sounds the alarm first (especially versions 2.4 and 3.2), the arrow of the antifreeze temperature gauge goes into the red zone. Servicemen recommend flushing radiators at least once every two years. To do this, they need to be dismantled.
- At the location of the underhood power fuse box, on the right in the compartment, moisture constantly accumulates. On every fifth car at the age of seven to ten years, this leads to serious decay of internal contacts. The disease can be seen: the block is transparent. But it is non-separable, so you need to change it as an assembly. Usually, due to oxidized contacts, there are problems with the transfer case. On the panel, the signal illumination of the all-wheel drive systems lights up and the modes stop switching.
31.01.2017
- the most popular car in the Suzuki lineup. This model, according to many experts, is considered the best among crossovers in terms of price-quality ratio and off-road capabilities, plus, the car boasts a real Japanese assembly. Many owners classify this car as not to be killed, arguing that it is unpretentious and enduring. But how things are with the reliability of the used Suzuki Grand Vitara in fact and what you should pay attention to when choosing this car in the secondary market, now let's try to find out.
A bit of history:
Debut of the first generation Suzuki Grant Vitara took place in 1997. Initially, this car was a rear-wheel drive frame SUV with a hard-wired front-wheel drive. The second generation of the car was introduced in 2005. Unlike the previous version, the novelty has lost the standard body frame structure ( frame integrated into the body), and all-wheel drive has become permanent with the presence of downshifts and center differential locks. In 2008 the car has undergone restyling, as a result of which the front bumper, radiator grille, front fenders and mirrors have been changed. But, the main innovations touched the technical part - the drum brakes were replaced with disc brakes, the transmission was modernized, and two new engines appeared. In 2010, the car underwent a minor upgrade that removed the boot lid from the spare tire, making the Vitara 200 mm shorter and the diesel engine upgraded to match the " Euro 5". Suzuki Grand Vitara is presented in three and five-door bodies. In 2015, the production of this crossover was finally discontinued.
Advantages and disadvantages of a used second-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Body parts fit well. Also, there are no significant comments on the quality of the paintwork and anti-corrosion coating, and if a used copy has a large amount of rust, then this is the first sign that the car was restored after car accident. Of the shortcomings of body elements, only thin metal on the hood can be distinguished ( even slight contact leaves dents) and sagging of the back door, this happens due to the impact of the heavy spare wheel that is installed on it. In order to fix the problem, you need to adjust the hinges.
Engines
Suzuki Grand Vitara, as for a Japanese-made car, has a fairly wide range of power units: gasoline - 1.6 (106 HP), 2.0 (140 HP), 2.4 (166 HP) 3.2 (233 HP); diesel 1.9 (129 hp). Operating experience has shown that all engines are quite reliable, but, nevertheless, some characteristic sores in them have been identified. So, in particular, a 1.6-liter engine is afraid of overheating, and it also painfully endures oil starvation. The motor is fitted with a chain drive. timing, usually up to 100-120 thousand km this unit does not cause any problems, in order to increase the life of the chain, it is necessary to use high-quality oil, also, try to warm up the engine well in severe frosts. After 200,000 km, the oil intake increases, and if you loved the car " light up", then the oil consumption can be unpleasantly surprising ( up to 400 grams 1000 km). In order to fix the problem, it is necessary to change the rings and valve stem seals.
Among the shortcomings of engines with a volume of 2.0 and 2.4 liters, a small resource of the drive belt rollers can be noted ( 40-50 thousand km). Also, on some specimens, the chain stretches quite early and its tensioner fails. A diesel rumble and a metallic ringing during a cold start will serve as a signal that there is a problem. All four-cylinder engines are not equipped with hydraulic lifters, which is why valve clearances must be adjusted every 40,000 km. All engines are quite sensitive to fuel quality, when using low-quality fuel, first of all, spark plugs, fuel filter ( comes with fuel pump) and a catalyst. The car with the most powerful engine V6 3.2 liters proved to be the most reliable, but has a very high fuel consumption ( in the city 20-22 liters per hundred).
Diesel engine 1.9 - development of a French manufacturer Renault. This engine does not have outstanding characteristics and has a number of disadvantages. In our realities, most often, the owners complain about the small resource of the turbocharger, pump, and filter DPF. Also, the disadvantages include high fuel consumption ( 8-10 liters per hundred) and high maintenance costs. 
Transmission
It is equipped with two types of gearboxes - a five-speed mechanics and a four-speed automatic. No matter how paradoxical it may sound, but automatic transmission is much more reliable than mechanics. One of the significant drawbacks of mechanics is the deterioration in the performance of the box ( fuzzy inclusion of 1st 2nd and 3rd gears). There can be several reasons for the incorrect operation of the box - failure of the bearings or the gear selection mechanism, also, the problem manifests itself with partial wear of the clutch. Despite this, the clutch lasts a long time - 100-120 thousand km. automatic transmission, as a rule, does not require interventions 200-250 thousand km, but, only under the condition of proper maintenance ( oil change every 60,000 km) and operation. To disadvantages automatic transmission can be attributed to large delays when shifting gears.
The all-wheel drive system is one of the advantages of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. There are locking center differential and downshift. Among the shortcomings, one can note the noisy operation of the front axle gearbox ( starts buzzing 60-80 thousand km, if you often storm off-road, it can buzz even after 30,000 thousand km). Often, changing the oil helps eliminate the hum. Once a 100-120 thousand km front gear oil seals need to be replaced, a little earlier, on 60-80 thousand km, the transfer case oil seal begins to leak, it is better not to delay its replacement, since a decrease in the oil level in the transfer case, over time, will lead to an expensive repair of the assembly.
Suspension reliability Suzuki Grand Vitara 2 with mileage
Equipped with a fully independent suspension, despite this, the car is not a benchmark for comfort and handling. If we talk about the reliability of the chassis, then it is quite hardy, even despite the small resource of some elements. Most often, bushings and stabilizer struts require attention, on average, they serve about 30000 km, but may start to creak after 10000 km. If, after replacing the bushings, there is a knocking sound when driving on an uneven road, then it is necessary to install rubber spacers between the bracket and the bushing or replace the brackets. The front shock absorbers are quite weak and on most specimens last no more 80000 km, and in harsh operating conditions, their resource is halved. Breaker levers, wheel bearings and ball joints are able to please owners with a mileage of 120000 km.
The rear wheel bearing is less durable and lasts only 60-80 thousand km (changes in assembly with the hub). The remaining elements of the rear suspension last about 100,000 km, but many owners recommend regularly checking the alignment and changing the position of the rubber every 15000 km. The steering does not cause any special remarks, the only thing that the owners have complaints about is the howling pump power steering, it is worth noting that with the onset of cold weather, the hum intensifies ( in some cases, replacing the power steering fluid helps fix the problem). Also, on cars of the first years of production, they are not famous for the reliability of the hydraulic booster cooling system tube ( liquid leaks at the joints). The front brake pads, on average, take care of 30-40 thousand km, the rear ones up to 60000 km, discs - twice as long.
Salon
Despite the fact that the interior trim of the second generation is made of simple materials, it is assembled very high quality, thanks to which extraneous squeaks and knocks rarely bother car owners. The main source of scripts are: front seats, trunk shelf, and plastic lining racks. Electrical equipment is quite reliable and, even after many years of operation, does not cause any trouble. The only thing that can bother is the stove fan motor ( brushes and relays fail).
Outcome:
A fairly reliable car with good off-road potential, and if you use only original parts, then it will not often cause trouble. But, if you are looking for a comfortable, family crossover with good cross-country ability, then it is better to pay attention to another car, for example,.
Advantages:
- Four-wheel drive.
- Reliable running.
- Great ground clearance
Flaws:
- Rigid suspension.
- High fuel consumption.
- Often the tailgate sags.
Hi all!
I decided to tell you about my first new foreign car.
After suffering from breakdowns of the last few used. machines finally decided to buy a new one. The budget was determined at a maximum of 1.2 million and it was necessary to have a 150-200 hp engine, automatic, all-wheel drive. Well, preferably a leather interior. I will not talk for a long time about the torment of choice, but he fell on this creation of Japanese engineers. Auto, by the way, cost 1.230.000 rubles. including winter tires, floor mats and protection.
Now about the car itself. Do you know what is the most interesting? And there's not much to say. I owned the car for 9 months, drove almost 30 thousand, and it ... no. Neither bad nor good. Buying it, I made a choice of reason. And it ended up being very boring. Still, I'll try to tell you what I remember in the bottom line. It's probably worth mentioning reliability, if it's relevant to such a mileage ... I didn't do anything at all. One MOT for 15 thousand and that's it. Only gasoline.
Salon. Average seating comfort. Their upholstery material, referred to by dealers as leather, is of course not, unless it is the skin of dead Chinese. But you can get comfortable behind the wheel. My height is 181 cm. The backrest is adjustable in the back, which allows it to fit normally in a not very large salon. But on the other hand, if you recline the back, then the trunk turns from small to very small. The plastic material is of course at the level of 9-ki, even though it did not thunder during the period of ownership. Radio =)))) As if from the 90s. But I basically don’t get into cars - as I bought, I drive. Listening to the radio and CDs was enough for me. Very good visibility due to large mirrors. Well, that is, everything seems to be there, and everything works and there is nothing to complain about. But to get caught...
Everywhere. I would call the 2.4 motor quite normal for such a machine. Paired with an old 4-band automatic, it is enough. Even with a claim to a more or less active ride. I liked the response to the gas pedal. Very intelligible. On many modern machines, unlike dumber. You drive around the city on your own. Consumption of 13.5-14 liters, which I think is too much for such a small car. On the highway, if you go 120-140, then a little less - about 12. The absence of the 5th, and preferably the 6th gear, affects. The track keeps at such speeds pretty well. Overtaking is also not scary. But I would associate this with an understandable algorithm for the operation of a pair of ICE-automatic transmissions, rather than power. As for cross-country ability, I really didn’t have a chance to test it, because I didn’t know much. But several times I had to ride on muddy ground. It goes very well, but there is no confidence in TLC. But I chalk it up to stock tires. Carried hell knows how. Also, the clearance of the car is still not high. And with motor protection at all. That is, I would not recommend driving on it for serious off-road. Although it seems to be a small base and short overhangs provoke this. As well as blocking and lowering. But it was tender.
One small case. While fishing in the Astrakhan region, he broke the radiator mount. It happened incomprehensibly how, because I didn’t even hear anything. I just saw that the temperature went up. I stop, and it pours there ... The lower part is located exactly between the bumper and the protection, and below the bumper, And if you drive into a steep, but not great hole, the chance to get on such an adventure is quite high. What happened to me. The bottom mount broke off and a crack went along the bottom edge. Poxipol, of course, helped. Yes, and we managed to agree on CASCO. But ... To change the insurance was not enough time. Which is good...
For leaving the house one morning, I did not find the car. It was stolen by bad people. And you know what. I didn't even get upset. Firstly, for the first time in my life I insured a car under CASCO. And secondly ... But she simply did not cling to me. And I don't like it. We have one life and we want more bright colors in it. So I received the insurance payment and bought myself what I already like, and the one who stole or bought the stolen one, let him somehow be left without antifreeze somewhere 300 kilometers to the nearest place where you can buy something sticky =)))
The review was rather chaotic, but, as I said, this is the most soulless car I have ever owned. And on the other hand - who does not need it, it is quite a normal car.
After 40,000 km of run, I decided to write my review about the car. Perhaps this will help someone in choosing a car. In addition, I will write about some tips for operating the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
I thought about buying this model back in 2006, when I saw the new Grand Vitara in Omsk. Prior to that, he used mainly domestic Niva (VAZ-21213 1995 onwards, VAZ-21214 2007 onwards). In general, a good SUV.
Since 2010, he owned a Subaru Forester with a 2.0-liter engine (240 hp) in 2000, which I got on an exchange. All is well, but the years and the right hand drive accelerated its sale. I had to ride for some time on front-wheel drive VAZs. These are cars for the summer, in winter they are only suitable for grinding asphalt.
In 2012, he nevertheless decided to purchase a Suzuki Grand Vitara, having previously considered some options from other automakers. In particular, the KIA Sorento was considered, which, in my opinion, was more or less similar to an SUV in this price range.
When inspecting the car, I identified several inappropriate features for me. So, the clearance under factory protection seemed to me lower than on domestic Zhiguli. I suppose that when installing metal protection, the clearance will decrease even more. The same applies to other Korean crossovers.
The support for the left foot turned out to be about 39-40 shoe sizes. Apparently, designed for the Korean leg. The gas pedal is set to the floor, which will be a place for collecting dirt and snow. The cost with automatic transmission and 4WD exceeded the cost of the Vitara by a good hundred or two.
Once related to Suzuki, the Chevrolet Captiva didn't like the same ground clearance. Of the Japanese competitors, nothing else was considered. RAV-4 - for the female half, CR-V - because of the unreliable 4WD system, clearance and design. Americans and Europeans were too expensive for me (I did not consider the French at all).
An option in the form of a new Forester was considered, but, in my opinion, the designers still need to work on it. Outback did not fit into the budget.
Machines with CVTs and monoprivodnye cars are not considered. We don't live in Tokyo though. I do not understand the owners of monodrive cars worth more than a million. How can you buy a front-wheel drive Camry for that kind of money?! After the first snow, panic on the road begins, but in the summer you can also ride a bike.
As a result, he nevertheless returned to the Grand Vitara, which had a facelift in 2012. The hope that Vitara with a 3.2-liter engine with a five-speed automatic transmission will go on sale did not materialize. I had to stop at buying a version with a 2.4-liter engine and automatic transmission. I didn’t buy in the maximum configuration, because after the upgrade the Japanese decided to save on installing a sunroof.
I also didn’t want to overpay for leather seats, which, as you know, wear out quickly. Most premium brands are already making seat upholstery combinations - suede in the middle, the rest is leather. Nowadays, Suzuki also began to put suede or fabric under a well-known place. Then there was no such thing.
The rest of the useful things (xenon headlights, their washers, cruise control, as well as improved interior trim) were interesting to me, but, unfortunately, the Japanese have all fixed designs. As a result, the JLX-E package with the corresponding options was chosen.
Impression
After waiting for the car, I finally became the proud owner of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. At the same time, a new discount for 40,000 rubles appeared, so there was no need to regret the long wait. Before that, 2 sets of alloy wheels and Hankook Dinapro AT 235/65R17 summer tires were bought. I bought winter ones of the same size later. The ground clearance has increased slightly, while the wheels do not touch the body.
Established casting and tires had to be sold. The rims a la Mazda seemed too glamorous, and the tires were only suitable for Tokyo. From the one available at the dealer, a Pandora DLX3000 alarm was installed, I didn’t even think about installing Sherhan, because I had heard about its unreliability and difficulty in operation (the most stolen and hacked).
Pandora did not like that after starting from the remote control and then opening the doors, if you do not insert the key for a minute, the car will stall. You have to run and put the key in the ignition. Dealers explained that this is so that they do not steal. In the rest, everything suits - both in terms of range and in terms of functions. At that time, the dealer had no other signaling options.
After leaving the salon, I immediately went for the lock for the spare wheel cover, as I had heard about the theft of the cover itself and the wheel. At the car market I bought flat mudguards for 300 rubles apiece. I installed it myself. At the dealer, a similar kit was offered for 3-4 thousand rubles (price without installation). I did not install volumetric ones because of their fragility in winter.
The car turned out to be very maneuverable, and the dynamics of the 2.4-liter engine is enough for the bustle of the city. On the highway, when overtaking, I did not feel a lack of power either. In winter, at traffic lights, it is quite possible to “do” sports monodrive cars. The independent rear suspension and the integrated frame have improved stability, so you can take corners with confidence, just like a car.
In the summer in the city, the consumption is (in the absence of serious traffic jams and congestion) about 13 liters, but I prefer an aggressive driving style with fast acceleration to 70-75 km / h. The adaptive automatic transmission gets used to this manner and starts shifting to fourth gear at 65-75 km/h.
In winter, the city consumption of 15 liters or more. Depends heavily on traffic, weather and warm-ups. On the track from 8.5 liters, depending on speed and load. At a speed of 110-120 km / h, you can fit into 10 liters. The average consumption for the on-board computer is given.
Salon Vitara, of course, rustic, but everything is thorough. For example, the Koreans seem to have done everything with an application for luxury, but at the same time from cheap materials. The plastic on the Grand Vitara is painted with silver paint, which wears out over time at the points of contact. Especially on the gear knob. But it happens on other foreign cars as well. Instrument cluster glasses and side mirrors are also prone to rapid abrasion.
Some time after the purchase began to disturb the creak under the driver's seat. I turned to dealers who tried to fix the defect by smearing everything that was possible under the seat, but the creak appeared again. I had to eliminate this shortcoming myself, I will report the details below.
I did not have to use the seat height adjustment, so there are no other complaints about the seats. The seats were later covered with custom-made covers for 6,000 rubles. The edges of the so-called eco-leather, the middle of the fabric. On regular seats, the fabric in the corners is thin and has begun to wear off.
Of the other comments, I can name only a stiff suspension and incomprehensible knocks in the front suspension. Repeated calls to the dealer to no avail. Dealers convinced that knocking for a stiffer suspension is normal. I'm used to driving. In general, there were no problems for 3 years.
TO-1 for 15,000 km and TO-2 for 30,000 km cost about 10,000 rubles each. For comparison, maintenance on Ladakh will cost the same. I change the oil and filter every 7,500 km due to difficult operating conditions (congestion, climate).
Well, in conclusion, a few tips for operating the Grand Vitara:
How to eliminate the creaking of the driver's seat? To do this, lubricate at the attachment point of the lifting mechanism on the right rear. One drop of any lubricant is enough.
How to turn on automatic low beam headlights? You'll have to do some combinations. To do this, insert the key into the lock. Turn on the ignition (On position). We turn on and off the dimensions five times in a row. Then immediately turn on and turn off the dipped headlights five times in a row (two clicks). A long beep should sound. We turn off the ignition. Turn the ignition back on and start. The dipped headlights should light up, which will always light up when the engine is started. If it does not work, then you need to repeat the procedure. To disable this feature, do the same.
It is better to isolate the lock on the spare wheel cover from moisture (wrap it with electrical tape or treat it with grease), since it may not open at the right time.
It is better to keep the places of contact of rubber bands of doors and openings clean. The paint in these places wears off quickly, especially under the rubber stops. You can stick tape or tape under them.
For economical driving, I recommend using coasting (engine braking). The less we use the brakes, the more economical. First, fast acceleration to 65-75 km, and then movement in 4th gear. Unless, of course, no one interferes. Most stationary video recording cameras in Omsk catch from 80 km/h. From 60 km / h they catch on the Gorbaty Bridge, on the bridge over the railway tracks on Moskovka and after turning in front of the Park Pobedy stop towards the center. I drive in the city no more than 80 km / h without a radar detector, so far I have never hit it.
For Omsk residents, I can tell you that flat mudguards (with the S logo) can be bought at the Levoberezhny car market. In 2013, they were sold somewhere in the middle ranks for 300 rubles. Installation requires a bit of improvisation.
Outcome
In general, for urban off-road and travel outside the city, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is an excellent device. So far, there are no complaints about the car. The manufacturer would recommend improving the interior trim, making a more powerful engine, modifying the automatic transmission, more ground clearance and more aggressive design. In the near future, I wanted to change it to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but due to recent events in the Russian Federation (the exchange rate of the ruble), I will have to wait. So I'm waiting for the new Grand Vitara. Good luck to all!
