Just chatting about Suzuki Vitara or similar

No one has mentioned the BMW X series. I had a X1 (2010) then a X3 (2013) a few years ago, you need to put a decent set of tyres on them but they are OK. Massive towing capacity and 45+ MPG, plus packed with electronics and reliable.

I should imagine there are plenty available second hand now.

The Xs I had were both manual, I did have an auto X3 on loan for a while. I then had a 320 which was an auto. The 320 auto was amazing, it had flappy paddles for when you wanted to override what it was doing and accelerated like a Tesla in full auto.

They are a different beast to a Jimny and other cars mentioned, not sure they really fit, they are almost in the 'Chelsea Tractor' category, but just saying they are out there.

Robin

Viv and I had a SWB Shogun bought new in 2001. We sold it after 110,000 miles when we bought the Q3 in 2014.The Shogun was flawless. Yes we changed the tyres and a set of pads but that was about it. From memory it would tow 2.8 tonnes and could be set to run in permanent 4 wheel drive. The ride quality was similar to a large car. Best car we ever had.

Roger

For towing I would say forget the SX4, I could be wrong but for the UK market I believe the SX4 will be the 1.6 M16a engine, one of my colleagues had one and I was not particularly impressed, it was OK as a town runabout, but not what I would want on the open road.

I took a quick look at AutoTrader and it seems the GV was available there with the 2.0 engine.

Regarding rot spots, I have a 2005, which in 2023 has NO rot anywhere, and I think I can safely describe it as phenomenally reliable, apart from routine maintenance, the only repairs have been the front control arms, a couple of battery replacements, and we had to drop the fuel tank to repair rodent damaged wiring.

Interesting suggestions and I need to do a little more homework on the various suggestions.

300BHP - All valid points on the Freelander and diesel engines, but I know our personal driving style doesn't suit a vehicle with a DPF. Prior to the Jimny we had 2012 Polo TDI, it was a constant battle to keep the DPF happy. But I take on board what you are saying and appreciate that some DPF systems work better than others. That VW really was a pile of @#£_....

Lambert - This goes beyond a spring change in my humble opinion. I agree with 300BHP that it's the short wheel base and narrow track, coupled with the Jimny light weight. It's the same to some extent with my SWB Landover, the LWB version was always considered the better ride even though they had the same suspension design. Now the dampers are that the softest setting it's slightly better, but it would still take a few concrete slabs in the back to smooth it out further.
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Dr Robin / Roger - Both the BMW and Shogun aren't manufacturers I would normally go for. But as I am just investigating at the moment I'll take a look at some.

Fordem - I had assumed it would be the standard Suzuki M16a engine in the SX, I guess that's also true for the 1.6GV? It may be enough for me, I no longer want fast, but a few more BHP with the caravan on the back hopefully will see less visits to second gear with maximum revs on slight motorway inclines. Did Suzuki ever fit a turbo to the SX or GV 1 or are they all NA engines ? I need to Google this 

I keep being drawn to the early generations of Grand Vitara, plenty about with 1.6 / 2.0 and 2.4 petrol engines. I need to track one down and get a test drive. Same is true for G1 to G3 RAV 4's, again with the 2ltr engine.  The SX4 I need to Google a bit more (and the others) to try and understand what year had what engines / drive train etc.  

It' feels like quite a task I have given myself, so may just concentrate on the above 3 and see what ticks the most boxes. It's not a done deal that the Jimny days are numbered, it's going to have to be something special to get me to part with it. Hopefully the issue that's caused this discussion (vertigo affecting better half) will also resolve itself. 

Thanks for all suggestions and comments.

Mike

Funnily enough the SX4 came to my attention specifically for its towing abilities. It has a good towing capacity for its size. I usually tow around 1,200kg daily behind my M16a engined Jimny, which it copes with admirably. With a full load it will hold 60mph along any road in my area. At present I'm using a 1.3 auto Jimny (my 1.6 is having some welding work done) and it does the job but lacks performance compared to the 1.6 manual. I can't see how the physically larger and heavier SX4 with full time 4wd, a more powerful version of the 1.6 engine or a 1.9 diesel and much better performance would be any less suitable.

I should probably have asked what you're planning on towing. I recall you having a small, lightweight caravan?