1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX from UK and Ireland - Comments

The car has been quite reliable (as you would expect from the Japanese in recent years). The only niggle seems to be a slight rubbing of metal on metal that we haven't yet traced but it hasn't broken down yet.

We needed something with 4x4 capability and some style - so the Vitara was our choice. But we didn't realise just how uncomfortable these vehicles can be if used regularly on road. A journey of anything over an hour can be very tiring because of the lack of comfort.

There is very little storage room to speak of - although the rear seats do fold forward individually.

One point that is worth mentioning - the high driving position is good.

The general handling can be difficult to get used to - the ride is spongy and the steering very 'late'. I can imagine rolling the vehicle could be done if care isn't taken on unexpected tight bends!

The engine is rather noisy also.

In case anyone reads this and wonders about the metal on metal rubbing noise, this is the brake pad wear indicator. A posh name for a bit of metal stuck to the pad that, when the pads get low, rubs on the disk. Low tech, but reliable!.

I've recently have had my brakes changed due to the metal on metal rubbing sound I was getting, although the brakes was worn I'm still getting a rubbing sound, but the car is still going so I'm not complaining!!! Does anyone have any ideas how I go about raising the car for extreme offroading???

There is no problem to raising the car just take the body off the frame and put in some raising (sorry don't know the word) metal or plastic 2-5" high and put the body back on 2-5" from frame to body, bigger tiers 31-35" and go off road have fun I did and the car is a mean off rodder.This is what we do in Iceland have fun.

Look online for "Suzuki lift kits" and you'll find some reputable off road suppliers. The name of one in particular escapes my mind at the moment, but they deal exclusively with Suzukis, and have everything an off roader needs!

And to the writer of the review... You should probably get your steering mechanism checked, or your alignment fixed or something. All the Suzuki 4x4's I've owned have had very tight, responsive steering. And noise can be taken care of easily with sound dampening materials available anywhere. There are sheets, sprays, foams, fibers, all sorts of silencing materials for you to choose from. They are very effective, and most are quite affordable.

Check out the lift kits at www.rocky-road.com. This dealer handles Old Man Emu components, which are considered some of the best for the Suzuki Sidekicks.

I own a Suzuki Vitara JLX Estate Wagon and it's done 300000km and is still in great nick.

I have recently hit a curb and buckled the two rear wheels, I need to know the offset so that I can buy my little car some fancy new wheel. I would also like some tips as to how to make this average looking car into a dream machine, thanks.

Hey Suzuki Vitara peepz. Nice to know you guys are enjoying Vitara privileges as well. I have a Suzuki Vitara also and I'm having a lot of fun riding it. Check out my customized Vitara at www.locolowco.multiply.com