Suzuki Grand Vitara (1998 - 2005) 2.0 5d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I loved this car. I liked the fact that it wasn't in permanent 4 wheel drive yet I had high driver's visabilty. And I loved the side opening boot. PLUS - very importantly, it saved my life.... I aqua-planed and wrote this car off 3 weeks ago. We hit the central reservation and I am convinced it was because of its height and weight that we did not roll over and are here to tell the tale.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everybody mocked me for having a "chelsea tractor" but it did save our lives.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would love to buy another but they are soooo expensive at the moment. Dealership prices are about the same as when I bought last year on an 03 plate.... credit crunch?! Plus, the car tax is too high and the mpg isn't great. On urban driving I would get 320 miles on a tank of petrol that cost about £66. Not great.

What are you likely to buy next?

I still want something safe and something high up. I am looking at a renault scenic 1.5 diesel or a renault modus, or a mercedes A class. Apart from safety, CO2 car tax prices and mpg has become a priority.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

July 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was more expensive than I'd hoped for.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

4x4 switchable with 5 seats and high drivers visability.

What was the dealer like?

J&J Suzuki,Swansea, he knew I wanted the car and I feel he pushed me into the sale, but that's his job isn't it?!!

What's it like to drive?

Fantastic to drive, big but not too big. Unlike Rav 4 you can open the boot completely. Really comfortable and can seat 5 adequately.

What's it like to park?

good to park, high up driving visabilty and shorter than i imagined!

Have you had any problems with the car?

I had to have a new chip in the engine one month into ownership. I objected to the cost as it wasn't covered by the fantastic warranty they provided at point of sale. I objected and it was negoitated on.

What's most practical about your car?

Great visabilty, can seat 2 teenagers and one child in car seat. great boot space. not hard to aprk.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Had air con, alloys and cd player. Particularly loved the boot that opened as a door.