Just chatting about Suzuki Vitara or similar

 I know I could join another more specific forum, but I just wanted to see if any of the good people on here have anything to say.
Hypothetically speaking
If I was to replace our Jimny I need a car that's just as reliable, preferably a petrol, 4WD (road / field use) with a bit more power for towing. I also need to move away from the Jimny "jiggly" ride, a bit more comfort.

One such vehicle on paper is the MK3 Vitara which had I believe came with1.6 and 2.4 Petrol, and 1.9 diesel. I am picking the MK3 as I like the look of these and the age range is in my spend range. The 1.6 or 1.9 could be contenders, but potential short journey issues (DPF) of the diesel not so keen on. The 1.6 could just be underpowered, giving me a "Jimny" towing experience. The 2.4 high road tax and poor mpg?
​​​​​​
So any present or past Vitara owners in this group that can comment on this vehicle as a contender, its reliability, ride quality and issues?

Just chatting, RAV 4 is also a contender, but values are higher than the Vitara which is overlooked for some reason.
 

We used to have the 2.4 lwb for towing. It was right on the limit for what we were doing with it towing wise. As a general car though it was a lovely competent thing and nice to drive. If you are not wanting to upgrade the van to a big one just to make towing better than the jimny then go for it. We regularly saw 33 to the gallon.

I'm assuming you're referring to the Mk 3 Grand Vitara, as that's the only one that came with a 2.4 engine, depending on where you are the choices were 1.6, 2.0, 2.4 four cylinders or the 2.7 or 3.2 V6 and the 1.9 diesel.

The 2.4 early years have a bad reputation for cracked head/blocks, supposedly resolved in 2010, but I personally would just stay away, the diesels are notoriously problematic. If the 2.0 is available where you are, that's the one I would choose, make sure you get 4 mode 4WD (there's a dash knob to select 4H, 4HLock, 4LLock, Neutral).

I have the 2.0 it's a great all around vehicle, much nicer ride than a Jimny, the one weak spot is the front control arm bushes, but if you don't plan on lifting it, you'll probably be fine.

Don't get me wrong, the Jimny has it's advantages and it's disadvantages, so does the GV, ride quality the GV wins hands down, but in the rough stuff the Jimny will just leave it standing.

Not sure what your budget is or if other vehicles are contenders. Don't have much exposure to the Vitara. Have experience with the Freelander and can say it is a good vehicle. What sort of towing capability do you need? I'm also quite a fan of the Gen 3 or 4 Shoguns.

I was hoping our Jimny would be the last car I purchased, it's just enough for our needs and super reliable, love it to bits. However recent events have highlighted the ride quality, if I am being honest I could do with something better over the council provided road surface.
That is one of the main factors that has got me pondering this topic. 

And whilst I am on this subject the other "would like" is more power for towing. More comfortable cursing at speed, but retaining 4WD and the high seating position. In an ideal world I want my Jimny with a 2CV suspension and 2ltr petrol engine, but that's never going to happen.

Lambert - Assume the LWB is the 5 Door? That's also on the list from the better half as we are on our way to be grand parents and its easier to load the small ones in a 5 door.

Fordem - Yes I think so, the MK3 Grand Vitara. The 2ltr sound about correct, wasn't aware it came with that engine size. Not interested in making it an off road vehicle, it will mostly be on road with the odd muddy field or snow covered lane. Do they have any rot Spots?   I am in the UK, just starting to investigate the Vitara as a possible contender. Also considering RAV 4, but post 2012 they are mostly diesels which is not idea as when we are not towing its mostly short journeys.

300bhp - I don't have a budget limit, what I have is a dislike of spending anymore money on cars of any sort. For the correct vehicle I will pay whatever the going rate is, but for now the cheaper I can do it the better. Also older cars tend to be less Tech filled, less to go wrong. For Towing I can get away with 800kg, I did look at a Freelander in the traffic jam today, but I had always considered anything after Series / 90 / Defender to be a pile of trouble. I can be corrected on this, I own a Series and its never gone wrong, but then it only has two fuses

Will look into any suggestions for alternative vehicles, as I said, just pondering at the moment.... 

 

How about an SX4? More car like, better ride than a Jimny or Vitara, 4x4, 1200kg towing capacity. Engine choices are 1.5 and 1.6 petrol or 1.6 and 1.9 diesel. Whilst it lacks any bigger engine options, it does make much better use of the power than a Vitara and would make a great small tow car.