Simpson Desert - Suzuki Gand Vitara 2008

Agree with Phil. We I went across last year, an older Toyo Rav 4 did it in company with a couple of full on 4wd's (75 series, 80 series) and made it fine. As long as you've got someone to pull you out if you get stuck...

I think you will find the Korean Prado has a bit more ground clearance than a Suzi...but for a 4x4 that will go anywhere a Prado/Pajero type 4x4 will ( non elect traction controlled of course ), its still amusing some magazines refer to it as a soft roader !!

Gronk, is traction control an issue ?? I now have it in my grande prado 3L t/d. I didnt have it in the older prado so never worried about it. It cant be turned off either ?? Regards steve M

I don't think traction control is an issue....I was only referring a Terracan to the older style 4x4's, because it doesn't have traction control etc !!

Traction control can be a PITA in soft sand. It can overwork itself trying to stop wheels spinning to the point that all forward momentum is lost, then the system overheats the brakes, causing brake fade and you have to rest a while to let the whole lot cool down before setting off and doing it all again. :-((

Best to switch it off in the soft stuff.

Hi John, unfortunately I cant turn it off !! The only way is to pull the fuse but when the fuse is replaced it shows the ECM light which then needs to be reset by Mr Toyota (pain in the a#se). The stability control turns off automatically when shifting from high to low range but traction control is always active, the light on the dash comes up "off" for the stability control. I believe the pajero is the same, well at least my neighbours is set up the same as mine (05 exceed DID auto)....Regards Steve

True, it's the ESC that does the most damage. If you can disable that then you should be good to go :-)

Prickle, there have been a number of Zukis do the Sd including a friend of ours - they do require support sometimes, especially the newer models. Have fun.

Thanks Des

Thanks for the info. Would be interested to know about how much fuel the Suzi carried and used.

Ta

Hi Russ,
We topped off the tanks at Mt Dare and both carried 3 x 20 litre jerries. The Suzuki used 89 litres from Mt Dare to Birdsville. Our route was not direct along the French line but a little more convoluted. we took in a little more via Rig Road, WAA (for memory) K1, up to Poepels corner and into Birdsville.
I have mooched about the Simpson quite a lot, back in the 70's seismic survey days and working on Adria Downs Station and my advice would be to take your time and enjoy the views etc. My Hilux used less than the Suzuki but it is an auto trans diesel (yes, i get somewhat more lazy re shifting gears these days).
Suzuki was V6 petrol manual Grand Vitara. Room in the Vitara was a bit more limited and with two people, equipment and supplies, the second spare would have gone on the roof rack but i threw it in the back of the Hilux. Best to keep a low centre of gravity if possible. Anyway, if your friend ends up going, I'm sure you will both have a memorable trip.
Cheers
Mark P