Suzuki Grand Vitara 03' - What spares to take?
 

Hello,

I'm completely new to the forum and to the 4x4 or Suzuki Grand Vitara for that matter.

I have experience with servicing motorbikes but not really with cars. Actually this Suzuki is my first car I own!

W'll be embarking on the London -> Bangkok tip in September (me on motorbike, she is taking Suzuki) and I'm wondering what spare parts would be good idea to take with me?

The car is Suzuki Grand Vitara 2003 with, 64k miles on it, 2.0 TD Peugeot engine. It had alternator, timing belt, water pump done and before the trip I'll do stuff like oil, air/fuel filter.

If I'd go on the bike I'd know what spares/consumables to take with Suzuki I have no idea?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

With the same car we did a 2 year trip to Africa. Ours had more kms in the clock (we left with 155.000 kms and we made 46000 more)

Mainly due to bad maintenance from the previous owner, we had several problems with the turbo & the fuel pump. We replaced both of them with new. We had to replace also the front wheel bearing (normal wear I guess).

Last, the TD Peugeot engine is very prone to CHECK ENGINE lights. Do a brief google research to see whats going on. Our Vitara was struggling in the uphills and in general the temperature was getting high some times especially when idling in the traffic.

Honestly, I am not trying to discourage you but only to shed some light to the cars failures.

Its an amazing light 4x4 that can go literally everywhere and I am sure you will enjoy it. The fuel consumption was really low (we got 7.6 lts for every 100 kms), the customized suspension extremely comfortable and in general it is a spacious light 4x4 with extreme off capabilities if fitted with the right tires, diff lock etc.

We loved it and to be honest, every time we had a problem, that turned to be a memorable moment of our trip.

Try to do a very thorough maintenance and clean also the butterfly valve (that was one of the solutions), replace as many o-rings, gaskets, seals etc you can.

We had no spares with us. We bought/ ordered everything along our way (we had no time deadline to return to Greece).

If you are thinking any modification on suspensions or any upgrades (eg winch), please let me know ;-)

Always happy to share.