OV9

There’s no point in making this a guessing game. It will replace the MX5 and one of the Tacumas, so if anyone from here who is too tall for an MX5 is tempted to buy mine, do let me know

Picking up the new purchase after work next week after it’s been MOTed. It’s a Suzuki Grand Vitara (no, not a Rav4) 2.4 petrol manual in SX4 trim. That means it misses out on the plasticky leather, 18” wheels and sunroof; the first two are a good thing when it comes to tyre options and ride comfort.



I’ve done a Hoovie; it’s the cheapest 5dr Grand Vitara with the 2.4 engine in the UK. Got it for £2550 including the MOT and a wheel alignment. It’s in good nick overall; the paint needs a polish, the front bumper could do with a respray and the headlights could do with sanding.

I was willing to spend a good bit more on a low mileage example but for the moment this will confirm whether my wife actually wants an auto (I think she does; she says she doesn’t mind but she’s used to autos now) and isn’t so pristine that I won’t want to take it green-laning. It might lead to us getting something more off-road focused plus a newer auto Grand Vitara, but for now it’s a good way to ascertain exactly what we need.

Sounds a sensible approach. What year?

Perfect. Looking forward to seeing some off-road exploits.

MX-5? GLWTS.

A good way of going about things, I look forward to more greenlaning pics

It’s an 09 plate. I checked the transfer box and diff lock work

Looks alreet that

But, but...it hasn't got a Jobbo interior!

Should be a laugh off road

Collecting the Suzuki tomorrow. In anticipation I have splashed out on eBay, four spare wheels (16" steel wheels from the boot mount) on which I shall fit some chunky tyres. They actually come with Bridgestone Duellers on already which have almost full tread, though they'll inevitably be ~10yrs old. Still usable until I choose some proper tyres. They are yellow, though...


My wife has approved a lift kit though not a snorkel or bull-bars

Home safely.

Was there a full-size bush there before arrival?

No, another Tacuma

New wheels for my wife’s car have arrived:

Have you bought a tin of silver paint for them?

Not yet; was pondering orange but I think silver will be the colour.

They’re the 16” steel wheels fitted to Grand Vitaras in other markets, and used as spares over here. The 80km/h sticker is ridiculous; they’re fitted with 225/70R16 Bridgestone Duellers, not space-savers.