Looking to buy a Grand Vitara

[NWArkie]

Hello, I'm new here.... been lurking for a few weeks. I have been looking at all of the crossovers and small SUVs, and I have set my sights on the Grand Vitara because it seems to be the only vehicle out there with a traditional rugged 4wd system while still being as fuel efficient as many of the other crossovers like the RAV4, Escape, CRV, ect.

I am looking to buy a used GV with 4wd and a manual transmission. I understand that 2009 and later models have much better engines (i.e. more efficient and no valve shim adjustments) than 2008 and earlier models.

After a search of every website that I can think of, and I cannot find a 2009 or later 4wd with a manual trans. Do these exist in the US? Are there any other years to look for or avoid?

Thanks-

[geevee]

Looks like a difficult search. I looked at a few dozen ads for GV's in BC, and didn't find any 2009+ with manual transmissions.

Someone I know has a similar problem looking for a 2009 or 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid with AWD. Extremely scarce combination.

[Merko]

Here in Norway it's easy to find a GV with Manual transmission, but they are diesel engine

[Hunqapillar]

I don't think that the manual tranny/4wd is a combination you can get here in the U.S. I'm sure they made them at some point, but not sure how far back you will have to look to find one.
And your G.V.s gas mileage will not be as good as other small cute-utes. City mileage may by similiar, but the hwy mileage on the GV is laughable.

[NWArkie]

Originally Posted by Merko

Here in Norway it's easy to find a GV with Manual transmission, but they are diesel engine

Diesel would be great!! The only diesel / 4wd / manual transmission vehicles sold here are 7,000lb farm trucks.

[ImportFanatiK]

Im in the same boat, My ideal car is a black 2006 GV 5 speed, 4 mode 4wd, and 1.9L Diesel and leather. Like this one:

Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS Luxe Urban - YouTube

Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDiS Luxe Urban - YouTube

Unfortunately there is no 1.9 diesel offered in north america, and the 4 mode 4wd and leather only seem to be sold in the the automatic models,..

I guess I could buy a 5 speed then swap in all the luxury options, but soes anyone know if the 4 mode 4wd is something that could be removed from an automatic and mated to the 5 speed? or is it part of the automatic transmission itself?
Since I see it is available in the video above, I think it must be possible?

[NWArkie]

Well, I ended up finding a really good deal on a used nissan xterra (4x4 manual transmission). Too bad america is so hung up on automatics. It really limits your choices if shopping for a manual.

[Lowes11]

With improvements in engine and transmission designs automatics get the same or better gas mileage as manual transmissions. However, you are correct that Americans are stuck on automatics.

[NWArkie]

Originally Posted by Lowes11

With improvements in engine and transmission designs automatics get the same or better gas mileage as manual transmissions. However, you are correct that Americans are stuck on automatics.

^^^ True! My wife's VW Jetta has a 6-speed dual clutch (automated manual) transmission that is fantastic, but there's something about having a clutch pedal and a shifter that makes driving an experience rather than just feeling like you are operating an appliance.

[Lowes11]

Originally Posted by NWArkie

^^^ True! My wife's VW Jetta has a 6-speed dual clutch (automated manual) transmission that is fantastic, but there's something about having a clutch pedal and a shifter that makes driving an experience rather than just feeling like you are operating an appliance.

You are 100 percent correct about the experience!!