I might be in the market in the next couple years for a second vehicle.  I saw an early 2000's Grand Vitara the other day with the plastic bumper parts removed, exposing the surprisingly robust metal bumper and improving approach/departure angles considerably.  It also had about 30'' tires that looked just about right.

So I have a few questions.  First, I would want a Manual Transmission but, from what I know now, would prefer the 2.0L 16V inline-4 cylinder.  I've worked on Samurais and Sidekicks and even with the 4 cylinder, they are a bitch to work on due to tight spaces.  I'd imagine a GV with the V6 could be a nightmare.  Not to mention inline-4s are better balanced, more simple, and thus more reliable.  So, how common are early 2000's GVs with 4 cylinder and manual transmission? Would it have its own model badge (such as JLX for the 'Luxury' V6 version)?

How capable would a slightly modified GV be? We're talking removing the bumpers like the one I saw and larger tires to start with.  Do ~30'' tires require a lift?

How common are the GV 4-cyl 5-speeds?

The answers to your questions may well depend on where you're located.

In North America, most (if not all) of the first generation Grand Vitaras ('99~'05) will have the 2.5 V6, for an I4 you'd have to look at the Vitara or Chevy Trackers, I believe automatic transmissions were more common, but they were also sold with the 5 speed stick.

Outside of North America, the Grand Vitaras were available from '98, some markets never got the V6, and the 2.0 I4 were very common, with both automatic & manual transmissions.

I've worked on Samurais and Sidekicks and even with the 4 cylinder, they are a bitch to work on due to tight spaces.  I'd imagine a GV with the V6 could be a nightmare.

Really?  You think the samurai and trackick 4 cylinders are a bitch to work on because of tight spaces.  What are you comparing that to?  There is hardly any other vehicle I can think of, that would have more room to work in the engine compartment, than the 4 cylinder samurai or trackick.
The v6s definitely take up more engine compartment room.  But they aren't as bad as most other v6s out there....IMO.
From what I have seen, the v6s aren't real commom.  Most vitaras seem to have the auto, but 5 speeds are out there.

Quote from: RiverRatMatt on September 30, 2012, 02:08:55 AM

I've worked on Samurais and Sidekicks and even with the 4 cylinder, they are a bitch to work on due to tight spaces.  I'd imagine a GV with the V6 could be a nightmare.

Really?  You think the samurai and trackick 4 cylinders are a bitch to work on because of tight spaces.  What are you comparing that to?  There is hardly any other vehicle I can think of, that would have more room to work in the engine compartment, than the 4 cylinder samurai or trackick.
The v6s definitely take up more engine compartment room.  But they aren't as bad as most other v6s out there....IMO.
From what I have seen, the v6s aren't real commom.  Most vitaras seem to have the auto, but 5 speeds are out there.

Compared to the 22R in my old Toyota 4wd Pickup, the engine bay is much tighter. The inline-4 in my 2010 Tacoma leaves toonnnnnnsss of room to work, which is great

So if I am not going to import, a V6 is my only real option in the US? I owned a GM product and will never own another.

So if I am not going to import, a V6 is my only real option in the US? I owned a GM product and will never own another.

The Grand Vitara is the V6 model in the US, just plain Vitara's had the 4 cyl.

Quote from: RiverRatMatt on September 30, 2012, 02:31:51 PM

So if I am not going to import, a V6 is my only real option in the US? I owned a GM product and will never own another.

The Grand Vitara is the V6 model in the US, just plain Vitara's had the 4 cyl.

I've got a tracker,   I didn't want a US made vehicle... but it says suzuki everywhere it counts!

I have a GV with the 2.5 V-6 and 5 speed.  It has a good power to weight ratio and I've never wished that I the 4-cylinder version.  I have even used my GV to flat tow Samurais out to trailheads, which is something you cannot do with the 4-cylinder version.