1997 Suzuki Vitara LWB JLX SE review from UK and Ireland

Catalytic converter heat shield vibrated heavily. Apparently not legally needed, so removed by tyre and exhaust bay.

Loose wires on radio, easily fixed.

Rusty spare wheel carrier and slightly indented back door. Now painted and sealed.

Having owned a 4 x 4 and a Mondeo Estate car we always wanted a second 4 x 4 (despite the excellence of the Mondeo) as visibility, control and general enjoyment is so much more with SUV's.

Picked this high miler LWB Vitara up at a steal yet the bodywork and interior are still so good and original; plus electric everything! Body much lighter than other SUV - Frontera (Amigo), and ladder chassis considerably less substantial but less roll and pitch.

Only criticism is that driver's seat is not very comfy, will rectify with a padded seat cover; and suspension very 'busy' over undulating surfaces.

Took car for UK MoT test two months early expecting to have a list of things to do - to my surprise it passed straight away. (MoT is stringent test all UK vehicles over 3 years old have to undergo every year to remain road legal).