1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX 1.6

Summary:

Will buy another when this one dies, but could be a while longer yet!

Faults:

EGR valve, replaced shocks and brake discs.

General Comments:

I bought this car in Hong Kong in 2001, and shipped it to the UK in 2002 as per my last entry in 2002. I thought I might update readers on the condition. The car is still on the road with little mechanical elements required over the past 8 years. The bodywork is still in good condition with little sign of rust - a credit to the manufacturer's rust proofing from Japan. The 95 bhp 16v engine has now covered approx. 100000 miles with two timing belt changes. There is no rattles at start up, though the auto box is beginning to jump when selecting D or R, though still drivable.

The interior is still in good shape with little wear.

All the major electrics are functioning well, including the electric windows, all switches and lighting.

Drives great, and still an important apart of the family...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th October, 2010

1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX SE 1.6 16v

Summary:

Great fun second car

Faults:

Electric window switches stopped working.

General Comments:

Even though the Vitara is dubbed as a hairdressers car you will find that most blokes will jump at the chance to let them drive it.

I have found the engine pretty lively & the 16v model does about 30MPG, the power steering is a must as I have driven one without.

The general ride is a bit bouncy, but does 70/80 mph easy on the motorway.

Starts first time every time.

There is not a lot of boot space, but if you get the convertible who cares!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th August, 2004

1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Every week a new problem

Faults:

The Carburettor packed up at 90000, The brake wear is extremely high. The electrics are very unreliable, as is the automatic choke. The Radiator leaks. The door handles are about to fall off.

General Comments:

It was one thing after another going wrong. The drive is very spongy and uncomfortable. It was a lottery on whether or not it would start in the morning, and it's very rough on fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th July, 2004

25th May 2005, 11:36

Not bad, as I have a vitara, And my story is the same.

22nd Nov 2005, 15:02

It is fuel injected - it has neither a carburettor or an automatic choke.

5th Jan 2008, 20:03

I agree with the last comment, I just wish people would think before they write!!! it makes you lok very foolish indeed and destroys any credibility of the remarks you have highlighted.

6th Jan 2008, 03:17

I have a Grand Vitara. My husband bought it for me, and I wish he hadn't. I can't give anything else consideration in regards to this vehicle, because I was too busy driving from gas station to gas station to recognize any problems. I work, but a mere 1/4 mile from my house. I do modest running and errands such as, grocery store, taking kids to school 3 blocks away, and misc things. I didn't drive much due to the fact I work night shift, and sleep days. I was filling that thing up, with gas prices soaring higher and higher, twice a week. I was spending as much for gas as I was on groceries for my house. I gave it back to him, and told him it was his problem, and got myself a car. I will not even consider buying another one ever.

In reply to 6th Jan 2008, 03:17

19th Feb 2012, 16:34

Mine does 36 to the gallon!

In reply to 5th Jan 2008, 20:03

31st Dec 2012, 06:22

Cars for differing markets have different specifications...

In reply to 6th Jan 2008, 03:17

23rd Jan 2017, 12:57

Short runs mean a cold engine, which means high fuel consumption. Simple as that.

In reply to 23rd Jan 2017, 12:57

23rd Jan 2017, 20:32

To be frank, if the fuel consumption was that high I would be looking for a leak.

I used to work in a garage, and once worked on a Peugeot diesel which was returning around 8 MPG. The problem was a cracked fuel filter (a common problem on these engines) which was spewing out diesel whenever the engine was running.

The owner (a man in his 30s) was using the car to commute 60 miles daily along main roads. He had never noticed the trail of fuel he was leaving everywhere, nor was he concerned about filling up the car almost every day.