Suzuki was one of the pioneers of the leisure SUV market, introducing its Vitara model in 1989 as a follow-on to the extremely popular but somewhat basic and agricultural SJ models.
With its car like dynamics and much-improved cabin, the original Vitara was a massive hit, as much a car as it was a fashion statement and extremely popular with families. It was, in many ways, a forebear to the booming small SUV market of today.
The second-generation Vitara, introduced in 1998, was more spacious, more mature and more powerful than the outgoing one despite sharing much of its architecture. Indeed, the top-of-the-range model, the GV2000, was quite an accomplished vehicle with admiral performance, coupled with surprisingly able off-road ability.
This example is a bit of a gem. Registered in September 2000, it has been kept in the same family for many years and has covered less than 55,000 miles during that time. It's in extremely smart and original condition and has never been welded or painted.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Three previous owners – same family since 2006
Clear HPI certificate
MOT until May 2024
MOT records back to 2008
HPI clear with copy of certificate
THE INTERIOR
Retro patterned cloth trim
Seat facings and bolsters in excellent condition
Immaculate carpets and door cards
Pioneer CD radio system
High power Alpine speakers
Electric windows
Electrically adjustable mirrors
Remote central locking
Multiple airbags
Excellent condition throughout with very minor marks and wear to steering wheel boss
THE EXTERIOR
Sapphire blue pearlescent paint
All original and never painted or welded
Very small dents to both rear quarter panels and one door
Brand-new GV2000 decals on both sides
All four wheels fully refurbished and two of them fitted with brand new tyres
Rear-mounted spare wheel
Appears to be in excellent order underneath with no signs of any corrosion to the chassis
Rear tow ball and hitch with full electrics
Fold-back front roof and fold-down canvas rear tilt both in excellent order
THE MECHANICS
2.0-litre 4cyl petrol engine
Five-speed manual
Dual range transmission - works well in both ratios
Recent oil service, air filter and new spark plugs
New thermostat
Fan belt just replaced
New crankshaft pulley
Freshly serviced
Drives really well with lively performance, strong brakes and no apparent issues with the steering or braking systems
SUMMARY
As one of the icons of the 1990s streetscape, the Suzuki Vitara is rapidly acquiring a cult following and it's easy to see why. Inexpensive to own and run and tremendous fun to drive, especially in open convertible form such as this one, the small SUV is a car with immense character, as well as one that offers dual purpose practicality.
The difficulty these days is finding a good one, but there are certainly no concerns with this example which has to be one of the best GV2000s on the market right now. It's not perfect, but it's wonderfully original and mechanically and structurally excellent.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara GV2000
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