Dilemma: used Freelander 2 or brand new Grand Vitara

[Creepio]

Hi all, this is my first post :D

I'm moving to Australia and I'm really excited.
I coming from Singapore (a place where cars are insanely costly to own, and honestly, there's little reason to have one there).

For my first Australian car, I'm torn between two vehicles:

- A used 2009 Freelander 2 si4 (pre facelift) with 40.000km, priced around 23k.
- A brand new Grand Vitara Sport (demo unit), priced around 28k.

I'll be driving mainly on the city (98% of the time), with (I hope) frequent weekend trips to nearby places. I want to explore as much as I can - that includes some snow bound trips in winter. I'm still undecided about beach driving, if it's worth the risk. I've never driven on a beach before, so I'm conflicted about it to be honest.

I've never bought a used car before that's why I'm kinda worried about it too.

What are you thoughts about it?
I'd love to hear from your experience.

Cheers!

[rar110]

I'm pretty sure the FL2 will be a si6. Either way with that power and torque it would be a fun car to drive. It will also come with TR to help with off road work. It will probably have better traction than the vitara. The only real repeat problem I've read about on the FL2 is the occasional rear diff failure. The interior is dated but should be a very comfortable tourer.

The vitara will have the advantage of being new, and good off road especially with the right tyres and with dual range transfer box.

If peace of mind and low range is important pick the vitara. If driver enjoyment and touring comfort are the priority and you're happy to take the low-moderate risk of a used car with that age and Km then the FL2.

[PhilipA]

I don't think the new model Vitara has low range.

A pity that that Suzuki have now made yet another soft roader.
I had an older convertible and it had surprising off road ability limited only by the carby flooding.

Regards Philip A

[Grumbles]

I don't think the new model Vitara has low range.

A pity that that Suzuki have now made yet another soft roader.

Regards Philip A

Suzukis use of the name "Vitara" can be somewhat confusing to those not familiar with the marque.

The Vitara is a very different car to the Grand Vitara Sport.

The Vitara is AWD only.

The Grand Vitara Sport is a wagon and a proper off roader re its running gear. AKA it is an AWD for the bitumen but then it also has the standard factory fitted centre diff locked high and low range.

There is also a Grand Vitara wagon called the Urban Navigator. It is a rear wheel drive only car and sits some 20mm lower than the Grand Vitara Sport 4WD wagon. Otherwise the Grand Vitara Urban Navigator wagon is identical to the 4WD Grand Vitara Sport wagon.

[rar110]

Yes I was talking Grand Vitara as indicated in OP.

[Creepio]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys.

I'm gonna test drive both cars when I arrive and if I find the Grand Vitara comfortable enough, I'll go for it then.

Cheers.

[In A Landy Down Under]

I have an FL2 2010, bought it with 80,000k on the clock its now on 140,000k. Ive taken it off road all over the place including the beach it copes just fine. Don't be scared about picking one up with over 40,000k's....thats nothing for these if they are looked after.
The FL2 doesn't have low range but it has a few different settings to make up for it.

The Grand Vitara is much less desirable and can't imagine it being anywhere near as capable.

[nismine01]

Nearer the sea brings with it the increase of salt in the air, that's not too bad but I will not drive on the beach anywhere near the water because of creating rust. Unless of course you are going to change your car every couple of years.

Cheers

Mike

[Disco-tastic]

I have an FL2 2010, bought it with 80,000k on the clock its now on 140,000k. Ive taken it off road all over the place including the beach it copes just fine. Don't be scared about picking one up with over 40,000k's....thats nothing for these if they are looked after.
The FL2 doesn't have low range but it has a few different settings to make up for it.

The Grand Vitara is much less desirable and can't imagine it being anywhere near as capable.
My parents have a 2006 or so grand vitara. Apart from clearance its pretty good offroad. It has no guts though (2.0L or 2.4L petrol) and drinks almost as much as my 4.0 V6 D3, yet weighs about a tonne less.

Its a capable little car, but nowhere near as nice as a freelander.

Dan

[mick88]

My parents have a 2006 or so grand vitara. Apart from clearance its pretty good offroad. It has no guts though (2.0L or 2.4L petrol) and drinks almost as much as my 4.0 V6 D3, yet weighs about a tonne less.

Its a capable little car, but nowhere near as nice as a freelander.

Dan



My wife has a 2011 Grand Vitara Urban with the 2.4 litre engine.
Regarding the fuel economy of your parents vehicle, the preferred oil for the 2.4 engine is 0W-30, if you go to a heavier grade it reduces fuel economy, so worth a check. We know from experience ;)
They are a very good quality vehicle and excellent for egress and ingress when you get a bit older and less flexible.
Cheers, Mick.

[Grumbles]

Mrs Grumbles has a 2013 Suzi 2WD Grand Vitara Navigator and I have a 2013 4WD Grand Vitara Sport. Both are auto with the 2.4 litre petrol engine and it is very unusual for either to carry a passenger.


Her daily running fuel consumption hovers around the 10/12 litres per 100 kms and down to 8/10 litres per 100 kms on the highway. My daily fuel consumption is around 12/14 litres per 100 kms while highway traveling sees mine drop to around 9/10 litres per 100 kms.


These cars are not the most economical choice and according to the dealer our fuel consumption figures are reflective of what other owners are getting.