Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 - 2014) 1.9 DDiS SZ4 5d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I didn't buy the car for street cred, so I don't really care. Unfortunately Suzuki doesn't have the same weight as the big boys like Toyota and Honda, but if you know your stuff, you know why I chose the GV instead.

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

On the whole, they seem very impressed. Compared to my previous cars, my family are 'relieved' as my previous cars were not to their 'taste'.

Would you buy this car again and why?

So far yes. I have to admit though (as with everyone really) I wish I had gone for the next model up, had a few extra 'toys' like cruise control that I really would have liked. I didn't go for the SZ5 because I can't stand leather seats, although they were heated. MPG is 7 - 8 MPG less than the printed figures which puts me off a bit, but every car I've eve had has been the same.

What are you likely to buy next?

So far I have been impressed with the car and the brand. Only time will tell, but I can see no reason why I wouldn't go for the newer version in a few years time.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£17,000

When did you buy the car?

February 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

I purchased the car as an ex-demo, showroom model with only 180 miles on the clock. In the price I also got several options and a paint protection system thrown in.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something that would be able to handle the terrible weather we have been having over the last couple of years and I wanted a car with a reasonable MPG. I have to admit my first choice was a Freelander, but at double the price (at least) I opted for, in my opinion the 2nd best option. The Grand Vitara is probably the only soft-roader with an off road pedigree to match the Landrover. Unlike most of the others, the GV has all the right credentials to truly be called a 4x4. I have owned other soft-roaders including a Mk II RAV 4. Fantastic car but that's exactly it, it's a 'car'. Better MPG but I consider the true 4x4 underpinnings of the GV to more than make up for this.

What was the dealer like?

Absolutely excellent. Patient, whilst I went through all the options and the finance. I noticed after picking up the car that the mirror indicator was damaged, they replaced it with no issues. The whole team were very professional and helpful.

What's it like to drive?

It's handles very well for a vehicle of it's type. The Gearbox, as many have already commented on, is not the smoothest example, it's a proper 4x4 so what do you expect! My only real gripe is really needs a 6th gear, it would dratically improve the MPG as well. 1st is gear is over before you can blink and I find that this can catch you out when you want to pull away quickly.

What's it like to park?

Very easy to park, although the view through the rear is quite limited so I would recommend rear parking sensors.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing apart from the odd ESP warning message on the HUD every now and again. This is being looked into on the First oil change.

What's most practical about your car?

I didn't really get it for a practical reason but it seats 5 quite happily and has a useful size boot. My last 2 cars were a Brabus Smart FourTwo and a Skoda Octavia vRS. Both excellent but the Smart was hopeless in the snow and the Skoda (which was the best car I have ever had... so far), was getting a bit old.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Stereo was an impressive surprise, but I think parking sensors are the best option I have chosen.