Buying a 4WD Feedback

My partner (Mike) and I have just been 7228kms (3 weeks) outback in a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005 model. V6 2.4ltr. We had the thing loaded to the hilt. Ground clearance at the tow bar was about 130-150mm. We went Melbourne, Broken Hill, White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Bore Track, Innamincka, Walker's Crossing, Birdsville Track. Went out to Big Red, tried Little Red first. He got stuck first time until he realised that he just had to stay out of the big boys tyre tracks. Went to Big Red and he flew up it that fast that I could not keep up taking photos. Low range, second gear and flawed it. He was apparantly doing 6500rpm as he went up and was wondering why the engine sounded weird until he looked down at the rev counter. He couldn't even let the tyres down to correct sand pressure because it dragged too close to the ground. Went down the Birdsville Track, up the Oodnadatta Track, Cobber Pedy, Alice Springs. Down the old Ghan Line to Finke, Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs, Oodnadatta, Maree and home through the Flinders Ranges to Melbourne. My point is that even these smaller 4wd vehicles can go anyway if you take it easier and you know how to drive a 4wd. Where your tyres should be, entry and exits. The two back brand new Pirelli Scorpion tyres had had it when we got home. The weight of the car had made them turn in, and the whole of the inside tread was scrubbed out. Also the exhaust took a bashing. The new Suzuki still has the 4wd ability that the old ones had a reputation for. I bet we spent less on fuel even with the car loaded up, than the big 4wd.

Jan & Mike