Suzuki Vitara or similar?

[echoechoecho]

Hi chaps

 

I'm thinking about buying a new/ newish small suv such as a Suzuki Vitara. 2wd or 4wd not important as it's only going to be used on the road, and won't be towing anything. An estate car would probably be a a better choice on paper, but I prefer to sit a bit higher up than in a car.

 

I'm after something reliable, reasonably cheap, and preferably petrol.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Cheers

 

 

[PeteB]

I had a FreeLander some years ago. Reliable and comfortable, it had a good upright seating position and they are fairly cheap and numerous!

[GA Groundcare]

8 minutes ago, PeteB said:

I had a FreeLander some years ago. Reliable and comfortable, it had a good upright seating position and they are fairly cheap and numerous!

Just watch out for the famous K series head gasket issues if going for an older Freelander petrol...

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, PeteB said:

I had a FreeLander some years ago. Reliable and comfortable, it had a good upright seating position and they are fairly cheap and numerous!

Not a small car though. Diesel ones seem to be a drug on the market atm.

 

I wonder what newer Vitaras are like, my 20 year old one is fine for me and the dog but otherwise a bit cramped and it is underpowered and barely manages 30mpg.

[PeteB]

9 hours ago, GA Groundcare said:

Just watch out for the famous K series head gasket issues if going for an older Freelander petrol...

Yup! Go for the BMW derived TD4 - sweet little thing!

[echoechoecho]

The thing is I don't particularly like Land Rovers.

Any thoughts on new small Japanese suvs?

[Ratman]

New/newish.... look at the kia/Hyundai stuff with 7/5 yrs warranty on them, lot of people going down this route of late.
Maybe Nissan x-trail/qashqai if looking at petrol too.

[harvey b davison]

I've always liked the Suzuki jimny, but the newish vitara is nice, but I think most of them are 2wd.

[PeteB]

Also did plenty of miles in an Hyundai IX35. That went very well too! Upright driving position, very capable, very comfortable and relatively economical too. Found the two local dealers helpful too!

[echoechoecho]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be doing a tour of South Wales' garage forecourts this week.