[Sun Boy]

Hi All,

Was after a Jimny but after a day trip realise it is not quite big enough.

Have decided to go after a SWB GV. I would like something capable and have a budget up to around $12K.

Are there any particular models to go after? I am only looking to do minor mods being snorkel, suspension lift and tyres. Also looking at an auto.

Are the later models less capable / robust than earlier models? Are all models able to be modified?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[sideways]

Jelly bean GVs (pre 2005) can be had very cheaply but they are getting old now and finding a good one might be difficult. They came with a G16b (1.6) or J20a (2.0) but the latter is more common and more desirable.

In terms of the current shape SWB GVs, the early models had an M16a engine (1.6) and I believe were manual only. Later on the they came with the J24 engine which does have an auto option and also got a big boost in towing capacity. J24 models are only just getting into your budget.

Both generations are fine with the mods you've listed but the earlier ones are more modifiable and have a much greater aftermarket following (diff locks, aftermaket suspension arms ect).

[fordem]

I have LWB versions of both the SQ series (98~05) and JB series (05~) Grand Vitaras, whilst what I am about to say is based on experience with the LWB versions, it is equally applicable to the SWB versions.

In terms of ease of modification and also availability of modification options, the earlier series is much better, especially where lifts are concerned, the earlier models are body on frame construction with a coil sprung live rear axle, and independent front suspension - you can do a body lift, a suspension lift or both, later models are unibody with independent suspension front & rear, so body lifts are not an option, the front suspension is a very common design that can be found on, and in my opinion is best suited to, a multitude of front wheel drive sedans - it does not adapt well to lifts, the rear bush on the control arm is a weak spot on standard height vehicles, and more so on lifted ones. The rear suspension is not much better, it's a multi link system with control arms that slope downwards to the wheels, it's prone to dragging the arms and also the exhaust in the dirt.

The drive train on the earlier models is a conventional part time 4WD system with a lever shifted two speed transfer case, the only oddity, and it is a known weak spot, is the easily broken aluminum front axle with it's pneumatic freewheel mechanism, I should point out here that the V6 powered manual transmission versions came with a much stronger cast iron axle, and that depending on the extent of your modifications, you might have no problems with the aluminum axles. The newer models are all wheel drive, with an electrically shifted two speed transfer case, I have heard of but not experienced strange issues with the electronic shifting, my children have reported random flashing of the 4WD indicator lights, but I have yet to see it.

If I had to choose between the two, I would take the earlier SQ series.

Oh - I almost forgot - we don't get the J24 engines in my neck of the woods (import duties jump sharply when you cross the 2 litre boundary) - horror stories abound about the J24 engines with cracked blocks/heads - do the research and you'll find them

[ZUZUKI]

Like other replies, only direct experience of LWB models, but with $12K, I would buy the best, low km up-date SQ420 you can find (J20 2.0litre 4cyl from 2003-2005) for about $6-8k (at least in Vic that's the sort of range for a good one) & spend $1.5k on OME suspension, $1.5k on 5 x quality 225/75R16 tyres of your pattern of choice, $800 on an FTS snorkel & enjoy from there.
Rgs, Michael

[Gwagensteve]

$800 for a snorkel?

[ZUZUKI]

Prices are roughly what you would pay to have someone to supply & install it for you.
Certainly many Safari snorkels are in that range, supplied & fitted.
Don't know where you would get an FTS one from.
I made mine from 3" exhaust tube & mandrel bends - couldn't do it commercially for $800 - took way too long.
Besides, if it worked out cheaper than $800 = win.
Rgs, Michael