Used Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1998 - 2005 review

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.