Suzuki Vitara as a stalking vehicle.

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teflon

Well-Known Member
I'm looking for some advice/info here on the Suzuki Vitara please. Would it be a practical choice as a stalking vehicle? I know its not a real alternative for a dedicated truck/quad but does it have the capabilities to be used once or twice a week for covering ground, extracting carcasses etc. This would be kept on the shooting grounds so purely used for deer work. If so, what are the downfalls if any and what are the best models to be looking at?
TIA.
 
What age?


I have a 2018 1.4T and it's a great compromise car but I wouldn't take it on more than fairly flat fields as the ground clearance isn't great. The 4wd system is pretty good and lots of reviews show it coping well with snow and mud as long as it's not too deep or bumpy. If like me you're doing 90% road driving and want a car that is nice on the road and can take you across a field or down a farm track then it's great. If you want something much more capable off road then I'd look at a Jimny.

Towing a light trailer with a hoist for deer is lovely at keeping the car clean but load that trailer full of logs and it's clear it's a small engine and light car.
 
nun_hunter said:
What age?


I have a 2018 1.4T and it's a great compromise car but I wouldn't take it on more than fairly flat fields as the ground clearance isn't great. The 4wd system is pretty good and lots of reviews show it coping well with snow and mud as long as it's not too deep or bumpy. If like me you're doing 90% road driving and want a car that is nice on the road and can take you across a field or down a farm track then it's great. If you want something much more capable off road then I'd look at a Jimny.

Towing a light trailer with a hoist for deer is lovely at keeping the car clean but load that trailer full of logs and it's clear it's a small engine and light car.
Click to expand...
Thanks nun_hunter, this would be used soley for off road driving on the shooting grounds. There are a few areas where the ground is a bit rough so maybe the Jimny would be the better option. I wouldnt be bothered about getting it dirty either, more concerned with reliability and being able to do the job.
 
Get an old Discovery2 loads of space and capability.
Almost as much offroad ability as a defender but waaaay cheaper
Running ones which are mot fail can be had from circa £500
 
Best thing since sliced bread. Pity you didn't buy my 2l V6 which I had to scrap. Just needed welding. Mechanically sound.
Now on a 2l straight 4. 05 plate cost £3k. Put some decent tyres on it and you will be surprised where it will go. Very reliable and does about 30 mpg. Good 4 wheel drive with high and low box. No diff lock unlike Land cruiser.
Get a four door and if need be take the back seats out.
Make a rest to go over roof bars and super for shooting off the roof due to side opening back door.
D
 
nun_hunter said:
What age?


I have a 2018 1.4T and it's a great compromise car but I wouldn't take it on more than fairly flat fields as the ground clearance isn't great. The 4wd system is pretty good and lots of reviews show it coping well with snow and mud as long as it's not too deep or bumpy. If like me you're doing 90% road driving and want a car that is nice on the road and can take you across a field or down a farm track then it's great. If you want something much more capable off road then I'd look at a Jimny.

Towing a light trailer with a hoist for deer is lovely at keeping the car clean but load that trailer full of logs and it's clear it's a small engine and light car.
Click to expand...
Jimny all day, every day.
Next question….
🦊🦊
 
My current one is a 2007 Vitara.....swapped it out from a Terracan which was good but too big really for my needs.

Mine has a professionally installed lift kit and off road 17 in tyres and due to short overhangs can go most places.

Petrol engine 2 litre is a bit underwhelming with the auto box, but cruises fine at 60 mph on the road and off road has been brilliant getting into tight spaces that I wouldn't have contemplated taking the lump of a Terracan.

Mine has a set of roof bars and I hang a bar off them to use with the Napier auto lift.

Side opening door not as useful as the up and over on the Terracan but not a deal breaker.

Only had it from March but so far is great. Test will be trying to get a couple of fallow in it autumn/winter time though......know it will get to them across the ground, but definitely will need rear seats down to transport them......the Terracan could take 3 if needed......may have to stick the third on the roof bars with the Vitara🙂.
 
Smellydog said:
I've had two. One 4wd. Went anywhere. The 2wd with good tyres was also very capable.
Click to expand...

Yes I have the 4wd one. It’s only on geo tyres but does a lot. It’s also great for the many motorway miles I’m doing think it’s averaging about 55mpg. Drives a bit rough as you would expect with a cheap car but does the job with minimal fuss and it’s cavernous inside for a small unit.
 
I’ve just started with a Vitara all grip 4by4 1.5 diesel

Very capable
Will probably address the clearance side of things in time with a lift kit.

Does 55mpg

I had a hilux ,it was definitely better for stalking etc but the fuel and cost of tyres etc etc made it into a luxury I don’t need anymore.


The Vitara is 4wd
35 quid a year road tax
Cheaper to insure
I’m going to stick with it for two years to say I tried it then re evaluate
 
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