Suzuki Grand Vitara

The best thing to do would be to do a training course and join a club, not necessarilly in that order. Some clubs do their own training, but the training from tour operators and the like is usually very good (make sure they have accreditation). A mate has an XL7 and things to watch on the Vitara is that the exhaust hangs down a bit and can get caught, get some rated recovery hooks on the front (and back if there's no 50mm towbar hitch), and start looking for some decent LT tyres. Most of all, enjoy it and use it in the bush,
Andrew

Mr fwdoz,
Iv'ed owned an 2001 and then 2003 xl-7, they not the model that you seek but to just let you know both my XL-7 were great vehicles. There were comfortable and fuel efficient. In my experience with them 4 things let them down.

Had the exact same model 2litre engine, fantastic little 4wd Manual. As mentioned above the exhaust can catch you out and also I scraped the fuel tank a couple of times but you can get a guard from suzuki for them. Very capable 4wd, even had the water half way up the bonnett and the little sucker kept going,not much room in the back but ok for a weekend away in the scrub. Very good on fuel 8/9 litres per 100klms, very comfortable, just be careful inm the wet as the back end are very light so very acceptable to facing you the wrong way. Keep up the oil changes and you will be very happy with the car. The only problem I ever had in the time I had the car was new leads needed to be fitted, (not genuine) suzuki wanted nearly $200 for a set and rear oil main seal started to pour out oil, had the rear main done under warranty but other wise no other problems and I gave it a pretty hard time, rough tracks, beaches, rock climbing where I could, I had a 2 inch lift in mine which made a good deal of differance. Take Care and have a great time and as mentioned it might pay you to do a 4wd course just so you know the do's and dont's worth the money. Regards Vitara

Thanks to you all for taking the time to post replies...

I will keep a look out for those possible problems...I found out about the low ground clearance in my research prior to buying...and I didnt intend to use the 4WD to the same extent as some of you might...but having said that, now that I have a new toy....*L*...

I intend to join the Suzuki 4WD Club here in SA...I already have their site bookmarked in favourites...*G*...

Are there any accessories that I could add to my 4WD that you might consider necessary?...

Some recovery gear, for starters. A snatch strap and some shackles (rated) in case you get stuck and someone else can snatch you; it's best to have your own so you can be more sure they won't fail and damage your car. If you travel places by yourself, a small hand winch and associated accessories might be useful. They are more of an insurance policy. Other things will become more obvious depending on how you use it; eg. if you go to the beach a lot, a compressor and deflators might be worthwhile. Oh, one other thing that you shoud get is a first aid kit. I don't want to emphasize the negatives too much, but it is worthwhile being well prepared. Almost forgot, a UHF CB is almost mandatory, then possibly a bullbar of some description, roof rack, ......etc.....etc.......
Andrew