Hi, we have a compass corona 505 and looking at getting a new car. We have a sight problem with getting our caravan off the rear of our property because of a slight incline, the front wheels slip and have no grip so everytime we want to go out in the caravan its a military operation. We are looking at a grand vitara 2.0 td diesel 87bhp. Would anyone recommend this car? or have any advice what car would be better suited

thanks joanne

If it is the 2.0td it will be from the 2001-2005 models is it, the ones from 2006 onwards being a 1.9.

The 2.0td is a peugeot unit kicking out 108.8bhp. I have not towed with the 5 seater version but have done with this engine in the 7 seater XL7 version of the Grand Vitara. The XL7 weighed around 1850kg and I towed a Compass Omega 4 berth (not sure the exact model but it had L shaped lounge and end toilet/shower room.

It towed very well, stable and enough torque not to cause problems. It is a proper 4x4 with ladder chassis, manual selection of 4 wheel drive (usually rear wheel drive) and low ratios.

If you are looking at one around this age, have a good check at the sills on both sides as they are not easy or cheap to come by.

I used to get around 35mpg solo and 25mpg or more when towing.

the one i'm looking at is a

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 TD 5dr Diesel Estate 2000

W reg it gives out a figure of 87bhp from the auto trader spec (which i think might be  a little low). there isn't many about to gauge against ???

Quote: Originally posted by joparti on 11/5/2013

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the one i'm looking at is a

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 TD 5dr Diesel Estate 2000

W reg it gives out a figure of 87bhp from the auto trader spec (which i think might be  a little low). there isn't many about to gauge against ???

 

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Ah sorry, I forgot about the early run of these. These lower powered diesels were only used from 1998 to 2000 then dropped and all from 2001 used the higher powered ones.

I have owned 4x4's since 2004 and, personally, would not go back to a normal car BUT as others have said, if there is no other reason for you to have a 4x4 other than getting your caravan off the drive easier then consider the motor mover instead.