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Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

GRAND VITARA

It's a proper junior off-roader, and fun around town, but it lacks its rivals' good manners on-road

Used Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1998 - 2005

You'll have to dig deeper to bag the XL-7 seven-seat version, but otherwise used Grand Vitaras are affordably priced, so you're off to a good start.

You may need it, though, because you'll be looking at service intervals of just 6000 miles (petrols and diesels), and that means big maintenance bills. A Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 should all be cheaper to service.

Insurance costs are more in line with the competition, though. The five-seat V6 models come in for a reasonable group 12 - the same as the 2.0 petrol and turbodiesels. The 1.6 versions (three-door only) are group 10, including the soft-top - that's low for a convertible 4x4.

You won't have to blow too much dosh at the fuel pumps, either. The turbodiesel should be good for high-30s to the gallon, the 1.6 mid-30s, the 2.0 about 30mpg and the V6s 3mpg or so less.

It's a proper junior off-roader, and fun around town, but it lacks its rivals' good manners on-road

The good news is you'll have no trouble finding Grand Vitara. It's widely available at all outlets, and in a variety of models.

The short-wheelbase car comes with either a fixed hard-top or a soft-top. The soft-top is great fun for occasional use, but lacks the refinement and practicality to cut it as an everyday car. The hard-top, on the other hand, is fine for town driving, provided you rarely travel more than two-up.

On balance, though, the longer-wheelbase models make far more sense as regular wheels. There's even a seven-seater, badged XL-7, which was launched in 2001, and we'd recommend it. Failing that, pick a five-seat long-wheelbase.

Don't choose the 2.0 diesel. It gives its best over a narrow range of revs, so you have to keep changing gear to maintain momentum. It's also noisy, and feels strained on faster roads. The 1.6 and 2.0 petrols are better, but we prefer the V6, available as a 2.5- and 2.7-litre. It's smoother, stronger and not that much more thirsty. Basic trim is perfectly adequate.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement.

A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

Large SUV

The JD Power customer satisfaction survey has highlighted some faulty switchgear and controls. Electrics were a weak spot on the previous model, too, according to data from Warranty Direct, so check all switches and knobs.

The engines are generally very reliable, given proper servicing. However, because the service interval for all models is 6000 miles, it's tempting for owners to skip the odd one. Check the service history for any missed stamps and buy only if there is a full record.

Watch out for off-road damage, particularly on the underside, bumpers and suspension. There was also an important suspension-related recall on V6s and diesels over concerns that the studs on the front strut mountings may shear. Suzuki dealers fitted upper and lower reinforcement plates to the suspension turret and new strut mountings.

Generally, though, there are no major concerns over reliability or build quality, and a cared-for Grand Vitara should be largely trouble-free.

The Grand Vitara is a hard-working, hard-wearing 4x4 that's more capable than most when the going gets tough. It also has a low-ratio gearbox as standard, which helps give it superb control off-road, especially for climbing and descending steep hills.

The Suzuki is less impressive on the road, where it can't match many of its contemporaries. Your passengers will complain about the unsettled, bouncy ride, and raised manhole covers send vibrations through the cabin. In corners, it runs out of grip quickly, and you don't have to be pressing on too hard before the tyres start squealing.

Inside, those in the front have sufficient space, and longer-wheelbase models seat two rear passengers in comfort, although it's a bit tight for three. Short-wheelbase versions, however, can make back seat passengers feel hemmed in, but the boot is deep, once you've lifted your stuff over the highish load lip.

Used Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1998 - 2005 reliability

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Used Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1998 - 2005 review

The JD Power customer satisfaction survey has highlighted some faulty switchgear and controls. Electrics were a weak spot on the previous model, too, according to data from Warranty Direct, so check all switches and knobs.,The engines are generally very reliable, given proper servicing. However, because the service interval for all models is 6000 miles, it's tempting for owners to skip the odd one. Check the service history for any missed stamps and buy only if there is a full record.,Watch out for off-road damage, particularly on the underside, bumpers and suspension. There was also an important suspension-related recall on V6s and diesels over concerns that the studs on the front strut mountings may shear. Suzuki dealers fitted upper and lower reinforcement plates to the suspension turret and new strut mountings.Generally, though, there are no major concerns over reliability or build quality, and a cared-for Grand Vitara should be largely trouble-free.

What to look for when buying a Suzuki Grand Vitara 1998 - 2005, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1998 - 2005 reliability

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