Guess what, there's a vehicle that can do all of that, and more!
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| 1997 Suzuki Vitara JLX Plus, M/T |
If you're looking for a second-hand car, consider looking into the Suzuki JLX Vitara. I will enumerate some of the strong points of this very capable vehicle, and then you can decide if this will fit your needs.
Why You Should Consider Buying Suzuki JLX Vitara
1. High Ground Clearance
Ground clearance for stock vitara is about 8 inches, higher than Toyota Avanza and Rav4. The ground clearance is also high enough to allow easy access when entering or leaving the vehicle.
2. Small but Strong Engine
Compared to other 4x4s in the market, the Suzuki Vitara is equipped with an in-line 4 cylinder 1.6L EFI engine. Even though this seems smaller than the common engine displacement of 1.8L and above, the Vitara is lighter than other 4x4s, making an acceptable power-to-weight ratio. Lower engine displacement means better fuel economy (my average fuel economy is about 10-11 km/L, mixed city and highway driving). And yes, this vehicle is ethanol-ready.
3. Sturdy, ladder-type chassis
Check the underside of the Vitara and you'll see a full-framed chassis, very useful if you'll actually go offroading.
4. Small and Compact Design
Small vehicles are easier to park and maneuver. The shorter wheelbase plus high ground clearance will enable you to move over obstacles without denting your bumpers.
5. Easy to Maintain
Surprisingly, this vehicle is not that hard to maintain. If you like to perform DIY maintenance, the FSM (Field Service Manual) can be downloaded from the Internet.
6. Friendly Auto Repair Shop in Quezon City
Around Katipunan Area, there is an automotive repair shop specializing in Suzuki. Filmar Autotrends, owned by Mang Rod, can definitely sort out any problem you might have in your Vitara. Drop by his shop and you'll see most of the Vitara being repaired, tuned, or lifted.
6. Readily-Available Parts
Suzuki is a Japanese brand with parts readily available. You may order SGP (Suzuki Genuine Parts) directly from the casa or head to Banawe (Links and Fronte are two of the shops there that have Suzuki parts). I order most of the parts from Zukiman or Filmar Autotrends.
7. Strong Support Group
There is a Facebook group of like-minded Vitara owners, exchanging ideas on how to maintain their beloved vehicles and get the most fun out of it by off-roading. Additionally, there's also a forum composed of 4x4 enthusiasts in general.
27 comments:
Nice review Sir!
It convinced me to go for a vitara. I really liked the paint (2 tone) on your ride. Can you post some more pics of your pogi Vitara including interior shots if possible? :)...
I just got some questions before I make up my mind 100%:
* I'm considering also in buying the 2nd gen rav4. Is the vitara better in terms of fuel-efficiency and riding comfort?
* What should I primarily check when buying a used vitara?
* Also, is your paint stock or pina-repaint if repaint. How much did it cost you?
Hope you can answer back. I would really appreciate it. Thanks for the post it really helps prospective buyers like me :)
Thank you Dexter! The interior of all JLX Vitaras are similar, the only difference is the center console and plastic side claddings. JLX Plus models have this device to measure inclination and pitch, and the side cladding is different (the gray one on the picture). But that's purely aesthetics, all JLX Vitara in the Philippines have the same engine and power features. Escudo is the three-door version of Vitara.
As with riding comfort, Vitara is somehow tolerable, thanks to the rear coil springs. In this aspect, Rav4 (and CRV) is better. However, you can install different shock absorbers or lower the tire pressure a bit to adjust the riding comfort.
In terms of fuel efficiency, newer models are supposedly more efficient. But a properly maintained old car can still have excellent fuel efficiency compared to a new yet neglected one. Aside from vehicle maintenance, your driving habits will greatly affect the fuel efficiency of your ride.
Here is the link for maximizing fuel efficiency.
Things to check (aside from the engine) is the level of rust (although Vitaras have good rustproofing, but better check this too) and if the chassis is damaged. Have the car lifted in a gas station to have a better view, and of course bring a flashlight and your trusted mechanic. Take pictures if possible. Also, check everything under the hood, and be wary of a "very clean" engine compartment because the seller might be hiding some leaks. Check the 4X4 if engaging properly.
My Vitara was just repainted by the seller, it was originally red. I canvassed for repainting and the price range was 18k to 25k.
Vitaras are upgradeable and the boxy design doesn't go out of style. Great all-around car for city driving and even off-roading.
My advice is to testdrive the vehicles you intend to buy. You will just "feel" it if it's the car for you. :D
Thanks sir Markus for those great insights.
Yes! I definitely agree with the looks of the Vitara, it's still a classic one like those 97 Honda Civics. Plus I really like the feeling that this car can bring you anywhere you like without worrying if your car have enough ground clearance.
I noticed the 97 model have no much difference with the 2000-2001 vitaras. Is this correct?
Also can you recommend which year/model is the best to look out for?
Thanks in advance. Keep on posting
Classic look indeed! If the 2000-2001 model looks the same as my 1997 model, perhaps it's also a first-generation Vitara. I once saw a curvy Vitara, same size as the JLX model but with the curvy design of the Grand Vitara, sort of like a younger brother (junior? haha). Anyways, they're rare and you'll most likely find the first gen vitaras in the market.
I will try to ask around if there are any issues with particular year models in Vitara JLX. However, most of the complaints from fellow owners are: weak stock alternator (55-60 amperes only), weak aircon, vibrating dashboard, and faulty window mechanism. When I bought mine, the most common year model in the market are 1994-1995. One way to check is by looking at the seatbelt tag, the one near the floor. You'll see the manufacturing year for the seatbelt which is most probably the same year model of the car.
If you're near the Katipunan area in Quezon City, you may bring the Vitara at Filmar Autotrends. Mang Rod, the owner, will inspect your Vitara if it's worth buying.
I have read your blog and it is very helpful especially on my part who is on the hunt for a compact SUV. I am actually from Cagayan Valley and one of the questions that has been bugging me is the availability of parts. It would help also help a lot if you give your opinion on these vitaras:
01. http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/43626945/96+Suzuki+Vitara+Jlx+Manual?referralKeywords=vitara&event=Search+Ranking,Position,2-10,30
02.
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/44005791/1994+Suzuki+Vitara+JLX+4x4+%28trail+ready%29?referralKeywords=4x4&event=Search+Ranking,Position,3-15,55#advertisementDetails
03.
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/42934967/Suzuki+Vitara+2001?referralKeywords=vitara&event=Search+Ranking,Position,3-9,49#advertisementDetails
The third link is an automatic transmission vitara. Would I go for a manual or AT?
Very informative. I am also on the hunt for a Vitara JLX but one of the questions that has been bugging me for sometime is the availability of parts. I am from the Province of Isabela (Cagayan Valley) and spare parts would be a problem. I have three (3) choices which I stumbled upon in Sulit and it would help a lot if you could give me your opinion on them:
01.
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/44219835/Suzuki+Vitara+Jlx+16.Valve+4x4+2000+Model?referralKeywords=vitara&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-5,5
02.
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/43626945/96+Suzuki+Vitara+Jlx+Manual?referralKeywords=vitara&event=Search+Ranking,Position,2-10,30
03.
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/44005791/1994+Suzuki+Vitara+JLX+4x4+%28trail+ready%29?referralKeywords=4x4&event=Search+Ranking,Position,3-15,55#advertisementDetails
Would I go for the manual or AT?
Thanks,
Hello, Tomi.
Thank you for your interest. Compact SUVs is really useful especially on rough roads. For parts, I'm not quite familiar with sellers in Isabela-Cagayan, although another driver in your area told me that he sources his surplus Vitara parts from Banawe. You may also try visiting the Suzuki showroom in Santiago, Isabela for brand new parts.
As for your question whether you should choose MT or AT, it all boils down to personal preference. They require different driving style and different maintenance procedures. I would prefer MT, but you can't go wrong with AT either.
Good luck on your Vitara-hunting!
Hi Markus...magkano palift ngaun ng vitara? thanks bro
Pde pa bang ma repair ang valvebody ng vitara a/t yr 96 or palit na ng surplus na transmission?
For lifting your Vitara, you may contact Filmar Autotrends. They're quite experienced in this type of modification.
Ezar, I think it would be better to just find a surplus transmission for your Vitara JLX A/T and have it done by a qualified mechanic. This is depending upon the severity of the problem. Have it diagnosed properly first. HTH!
Hi vitara users, i need some help or suggesyion s regarding my suzuki vitara jlx 2002. My Automatic transmission just came from a shop for overhauling ( rebuilding kit) as the transmission is not properly or almost not engaging while shifting. Now it was fixed but theres still one problem occurs before it was overhauled. It cannot engage smoothly from neutral to drive or to rear shift engage. I tried to lower the rpm to lessen the rough shifting and it helps but still i can feel its not normal. Is there any one experience the same prob and already fixed then? One reason baka kaya nasira auto trans ko dahil dun sa matagal na di smooth and pag engage. Thanks mga bro and sir markus
Hi, Markus!Saan ka nag pa paint ng Vitara mo?
Hi, Markus! Saan ka nag pa paint ng Vitara mo? How much did it cost you?
Hello, Shihan. I got it that way when I bought it. However, repainting a Vitara will set you back around 20k-30k (estimate lang). It's a good time to check na rin for rusting, around the wheel-wells, running board (this is covered with plastic thing kaya kinakalawang), and the metal carpet holder at the back. Ask the painter kung irerepair nya na rin pati yung minor dents and kalawang damage.
^^ Regarding the shifting problem of Vitara JLX 2002 AT, sorry but I can't comment since I haven't driven an AT. You mentioned that the transmission is already overhauled but the problem persists. Baka backjob ito, anong sabi ng nagrepair?
You may need to bring it to another shop for second opinion. I will get back to you on this one. :)
Hi Markus, its good to read your Blog. I am Brian from Calamba. I recently bought my Vitara JLX 1995. I really wanted my car to be at its best considering that its my first car. Even before, I really have a high regard with with vitara.
Maybe you know or you colleagues know any shop here near Calamba or in Laguna that specializes on Vitara.
Thanks
Napakakinis naman yung Vitara mo Markus, nakakainggit. By the way, anu yung size ng gulong mo bother?
Hello Brian. Thank you for the appreciation and congratulations on your purchase! I'm not really familiar with Vitara shops in the south, although my trusted supplier Zukiman I think is from Laguna area. Aside from Filmar Autotrends in Katipunan, the 1980 Garage in Taguig is the other shop that I can think of that specializes in Vitara. I suggest you join us over at Vitara Club of the Philippines to get acquainted with fellow Vitara owners from the south.
Makinis sya dati, haha. Ngayon weathered na. As for the tire size, it's 215/65/R16. Michelin XM1.
Thank you Markus for your speedy reply. I will joint right away with Vitara Club of the Philippines.
When i bought NogNog it uses 31x10.5, however sumasayad yung sa front pag naka kabig ako ng todo sa bumper. So i changed the front wheels with 235/70 all rims are 15".Pero parang feeling ko mabigat parin ang mga gulong. eventually kukumpletuhin ko na 235/70. Anu kaya sa tingin mo brother?
or maybe marami lang talagang kailangan ayusin pa particularly on the under chassis. Well yun yung una kung pinaplano ayusin, the steering, suspension, and clutch.
Hello Brian! Have your power steering pump checked first, common na sakit yan ng vitara. The 235/70/R15 should not have any fender rubbing issues on stock Vitara height. Anything larger than that, baka kelangan mo na magpa trim ng fender or..... body lift / suspension lift :D
Hi Markus, 235/70/R15 do not have fender rubbing issues. steering pump is good although medyo bumigat kunti cguro compared sa stock size ng gulong. pero tolerable. if you would not mind Markus, hihirit pa ako advise sayo, isa pa.
one of the common problem ng vitara is the Air conditioning system, particularly the compressor part. How are these addressed?
Thanks,
Hello Brian. The aircon of my vitara is still stock, thankfully. Annual aircon cleaning lang and good quality freon ( sabi lang to ng suki kong aircon shop, naniniwala na lang ako :D )ang maintenance ko sa kanya. Other vitara owners resort to upgrading their compressor to Sanden 507, and changing the auxillary fan too. Yung aux fan daw na galing sa Mercedes Benz, malakas.
Thank you for the time and effort answering my queries Markus. More power!
Thanks Marcus for the tips. Im also a Vitara fan and planning to buy a 2nd hand one 2002 vitara 4x4 JLX 2.0MT. Many thanks!Tigal Pu.
Good day mga sir/mam...Saan po ba sa Bulacan area ang may shop na specialize ay Vitara..
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