Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 - 2014) 2.0 16v X-EC 5d Auto (2008/08) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I'll get where I want to go. Perhaps not as fast as you but when you plough off the road in snowy conditions, I have a tow rope and the car to help.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
I've delivered their shopping when we were the only vehicle getting around during the past couple of hellish winters. I should think they're praying I never get rid of it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
I would if it were more frugal. It's petrol, heavy, automatic, permanent four wheel drive and I just make it to 30 mpg. In stature, It's a square sided handsome big bugger but by god it's thirsty. It's the car equivalent of Oliver Reed!
What are you likely to buy next?
I'll be keeping Oliver Reed till the rest of you are cutting about in flying autonomous Google cars. Or until it's a pile of ferrous sulphate!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£12,000
When did you buy the car?
October 2010
Did you get a good deal and why?
Good price for my trade in of a Toyota Verso.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Reliability and 4 wheel drive of equal importance.
What was the dealer like?
Professional and courteous in every way! So much so I've taken the car there for every service avoiding a nearer dealership in the process.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It's 2 tonnes so it doesn't perform like a sports car but it towed a BMW X5 out of a Scottish snow bank. The egg on his face wasn't a match for the grin on mine!
What's it like to park?
Good visibility and a modest footprint. A pillar is slightly larger than that of the predecessor.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Not one thing. It was bought with this in mind. Reliability and low ratio gearbox were the priority. Discovery is a similar size and spec but far less reliable to owners.
What's most practical about your car?
Big boot with a modest footprint but short overhangs so if the going gets tough it is just unstoppable.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The alcantara upholstery.
