Remember this time last year, when I started modifying my xB to make it compatible for EXBRO5, our Nevada Overlanding trip? I lifted its suspension, cut away the low-hanging bodywork, put on bigger all-terrain tires and a few other things. It worked out quite well, except for getting stuck in a water hole. I assumed that I would use it for future EXBROs, but then I got the bad news: the route this year, through rugged Eastern Oregon, includes a couple of steep, rocky sections that apparently have to be taken quite slow. Uh-oh; that’s the enemy of FWD—momentum isn’t going to work there.
What to do? Put in a limited slip diff? Go up in reverse? Depend on a tow? Not go? Get a genuine four-wheeler, with a transfer case and Low range even? I decided that the last option was the most realistic one. But since new Broncos have like a year-long waiting list, I had to find a quicker solution. And a cheaper one—knowing me—obviously.
I absolutely hate car shopping, but I opened up Craigslist and looked for some cheap four wheelers. Is that even possible these days? But there it was, a 2003 Chevy Tracker (Suzuki Grand Vitara) described as “Mom’s car”, offered for $3500.
So I bit, after biting a grand off the asking price. I never looked at anything else. Typical me…
Finding a genuinely off-road compatible vehicle these days for cheap is not an easy undertaking. My son sent me an email with a dozen or so possibilities he’d found around Portland and even Seattle. Am I going to drive to Portland or even Seattle to look at cars? No. I have better things to do.
And this Tracker seemed to be calling me. I’ve had a bit of a thing for Suzuki four wheelers going way back, especially for the Jimny. But they’re a bit too small, and since my nephew is flying out for EXBRO6, a four door with the longer body makes more sense.
But as you all know, I do like smallish, narrow and tall vehicles. And the Tracker/Grand Vitara fit the bill there. In fact, the moment I sat in it and felt the very ample free space over my head and the comfortable high seating position, I was already 90% sold. Desite it having 218k miles on it.
Yup; that’s more than I might have liked, ideally, but then it;s a 20 year-old car, and everything about says it was never driven hard by the seller’s 80 year-old mom. 200+k isn’t all that unusual anymore. And it drove very well; it felt solid, no strange sensations, looseness, or anything else. The a/c is dead (likely a refrigerant leak) and there’s a crack in the windshield. Hence the reduction in price.
And here’s the key component: a transfer case with Low range. Now more FWD anxiety on steep, rocky ascents.
I fit very well in it; it’s got my kind of proportions. I just didn’t want something big, heavy and thirsty. And having driven it around town the last three days, it’s a perfect around-town errand-mobile, and the automatic is rather a boon for that. I love me a stick, but it does sometimes get a bit tedious in traffic. And Stephanie can drive it, if need be.
The thing that folks get down on smaller cars with weaker engines and automatics is that they feel more sluggish. A significant amount of that is subjective, because the automatic tends to shift up sooner under partial throttle than a stick driver might. The key is to just give it more throttle, or in this case, push the “Power” button on the console, which extends part/low throttle shift points. Makes it feel sprightlier.
Power comes from a 2.0 L 130 hp 16 valve engine, and the four speed box is from Aisin; both have very good reps for longevity and reliability. A 2.5 L V6 was also available, but I rather prefer the simplicity of the four.
Given that these are genuine little trucks sitting on a separate frame, I was expecting a pretty rude ride. It’s better than expected, especially after I lowered the pressure in the tires from 45(!) to 28. Why do people do that? Oh, right; because that’s the maximum pressure stated on the sidewall, so that must be the recommended one. As if.
The night I got it, I took it for a lovely early evening spin on my favorite local 20 mile loop through splendid nearby hills and valleys. I took it easy to begin with, to familiarize myself with it; but after a few miles my tempo kept increasing, as my confidence in it rose. I ended up zipping right along; not to impress anyone or myself, but to get a sense of how it feels being pushed into brisk curves. Is it squirrelly?
Not at all; it took a nice, neutral attitude, and hung in there, with a bit of body lean. Sure; it’s not a canyon carver, but I want to know how it’s going to react on back roads. No likely vices.
The accommodations in front are quite generous; they’re the opposite in the back seat 9this is with the driver’s seat pushed all the way back). That’s a big departure from the xB, which has a huge back seat. This is the trade-off for a quite small BOF vehicle with longitudinal drive train. Something has to give. That’s ok; it’s not going to get used much, if ever.
The cargo area is significantly bigger than the xB’s, which is rather tiny. The dog’s footprints from last night’s hike are evident (the sellers cleaned it up quite thoroughly).
I prefer the boxy styling of its predecessor,but they’ve become pretty rare, unless one wants a “project”. I did not.
The 1998 restyle got a more rounded body and a number of minor improvements, but it is essentially the same underneath. The front suspension has struts, and there’s a coil-sprung rear axle that is located with links, which gives it pretty good articulation. Ground clearance is just under 8″ in stock trim with 205/75R15 tires. Which have to go, ASAP, among other things because they’re cheap all-weather units.
The biggest tire size that fits without any clearance issues is 235/75R15, which is what this Suzuki GV is wearing. They’re 29″ tall, which means a good inch more ground clearance. Overall gearing is increased 6.5%, which is not ideal but realistically it’s not going to be very noticeable.
The full size spare on the back is a boon, as it means I won’t have to carry a rooftop basket to haul one in, like in the xB. Oddly enough, finding some replacement steel wheels like these is turning out to be a bit difficult; there are very few easy junkyard swaps. The 5×5.5 bolt pattern is like millions of old Ford (pre 1996) and Dodge trucks, but the hub hole is bigger on the Suzukis. And the cute little spoked or holed wheels from the Samurai don’t fit these later ones, due to caliper clearance.
And what’s going to become of my beloved xBox? I’m not sure. I love its quirky styling and its many qualities, but I’m finding the Tracker to be a rather effective replacement, at least for the time being. If that’s going to be a long-term reality or not, remains to be seen.
When I look at this shot, I see a typical older Austrian guy who lives up in some little village in the Alps and drives a typical car for that region. These and its kind were and are very popular there. But after 62 years in the US, why does this dude refuse to Americanize properly and not drive a big pickup or SUV? Why does he keep buying and driving these cheap, old, small shit-boxes?
Good question.
Related reading:
Auto-Biography: The xB EXBRO Overland Edition Is Finished and Ready For Off-Road Adventure
Nevada Overland Trip (EXBRO5), Day 1: Alkali Flat Hot Springs To Pine Creek
Congratulations, Paul! I haven’t seen one of those in quite a while, but yours looks almost new. Have fun with it…
Congrats on the new (to you) wheels! These were quite popular in the Caribbean and I had many a one as a rental car back when I was traveling there. It will be interesting to hear how it stands up as a real off road vehicle.
Here’s to cheap, old, small shit-boxes! This is exciting, and is a vehicle I find quite appealing.
As for buying the first car you look at, all I can say is when you know, you know. I have had that experience multiple times. The funny part is that I spent years driving cars formerly owned by old people, and with a price sweet spot of around $2500. You found another one, only with the prior owner being a little less typical.
Some of my best cars were cheap, old, sboxes.
These were often used in their later stages of life as newspaper delivery vehicles for residential areas, so there’s another career avenue for you after EXBRO6. A former neighbor of mine was a delivery guy and had 5 of these type vehicles parked at his house.
With regards to buying the first car you look at, I remember a guy who bought a well worn Plymouth Horizon from me. When he told me that it was the first car he looked at, I asked why he decided to buy it. His response: In this price range (cheap), they’re all basically the same so I just buy the first one that looks OK.
Congratulations! Definitely the right tool for the job you have in mind.
JP is correct about buying the first vehicle you look at; I have also done that and it’s always worked out. There’s no point in looking for a better diamond when you have good one in your hand.
Chevy Trucks – Like A Rock! Deep down I think we all knew you were a Chevy guy, it just took the right vehicle for it to come bubbling to the fore. Wishing you many happy miles and smiles, the truck looks solid, and when you know, you know.
LOL, knowing Paul I’m surprised he hasn’t already begun his e-bay/junkyard search for a Suzuki grille and drivers air bag. He must hate staring at that bowtie all day!
In a case of life imitating art “Mahk” from Boston on YouTube also vehemently hates the Chevrolet brand and yet daily drives a Suzuki Grand Vitara what he believes is the best car ever made. I think the running gag was supposed to be that he didn’t know they also rebadged those as Chevy’s but to the “insiders” it was hilarious.
https://www.motor1.com/news/302740/nsfw-chevy-commercial-redo/
https://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/13165/zebra-corner-is-back-to-bashing-chevys-real-people-commercials
I’m just reliving my youth, when I was a Chevy guy.
Now I have a Ford, a Dodge and a Chevy. Nobody can accuse me of being biased against the Big Three.
As to your closing comment: Maybe it’s because “not completely Americanizing” is the more intelligent way to go? As someone who has spent his life riding motorcycles and bicycles, and driving small cars (the biggest car I’ve ever owned was an 86 Buick Century that I unwillingly inherited), I long ago learn to loathe the ‘Murican penchant for large pickups and SUVs.
If only most native born Americans has your sense . . .
Great choice – you’re going to love it!
Nice catch! I wanted one of these when they were new, and could easily have justified the purchase with my long, hilly 4-season commute in those days, but I was too cheap to pull the trigger, and front-drive VWs and Nissans worked just fine, truthfully. There were 2 Samurais in my family in the late 80’s, and I’ve mentioned here before that my mother owned a ’94 Tracker for 22 years before finally parting with it. That one was quite sluggish with the 1.6 and 5-speed, but it kept on keeping on without a complaint for all those years. The second owner was a young kid down the street, so we continued to see it zipping along for a couple years after Mom let it go, and when it had an unfortunate interaction with a deer its young owner had it towed back home with intentions of putting it back on the road. I have no idea how many miles it must have accumulated in all that time, but it was well-loved by all.
Best of luck with yours!
Congratulations! Yours will be one of the few Trackers to live up to its advertising imagery.
I’m looking forward to hearing about this year’s EXBRO5 trip as well. I enjoyed reading about last year’s trip – and was intrigued enough by your description of Lamoille Canyon that we’re planning a trip there next month. No off-roading though, since we’re still making do with our minivan.
Enjoy the Tracker – seems like a great buy.
You’ll love Lamoille Canyon. And no need for off-roading there; in fact, it’s not really permitted in the main part; too pristine.
Congratulations! I too prefer the 1st gen styling but this seems like a great buy that will be perfect for exploring. Though I’m a bit surprised you didn’t go back to your past and buy an XJ Cherokee. In the other hand I don’t think you’d find one in as good condition and unmodified for $2500.
Son Ed linked to a few of them, as it would have been a very nostalgic choice. He and I first explored Eastern Oregon in our ’85 Cherokee. But yes, good luck finding one in good condition. I suppose if I had kept looking I’d eventually have found one. I don’t think their reliability is quite up to Suzuki levels either.
It would be easier to find a Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro, or Dodge Durango in that $2500 price range. If you absolutely must have a MOPAR.
Speaking as someone who was a Mopar service advisor when the KJ series came out, there is no way you want one that is 20 years old. That’s okay for a Suzuki. It’s not okay for a Jeep.
“It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.”
Au Contraire, I understand only too well.
Congratulations Paul. Another example of the right vehicle coming along at the right time for you. Not often seen here in the Northeast. Enjoy!!
Yeah, it seemed like these were everywhere in New England for a while in the 2000’s and then one day, they were all gone. Cash for clunkers most likely claimed a lot of them.
Nice! I didn’t realize these were body on frame. I’ve seen Isuzus run 300k. I just picked up an ’03 Explorer last week. 4.0 V6, 160 milles. Nice quiet engine, no chain noise. New Falken A/Ts. Broken windshield and a couple of electrical issues to deal with. 4X4 works fine. Pretty handy since I live near Mt. Baker and it snows here. Daughter had three cars and this one just sat for a couple of years. Price? $500.
The rear springs on those are known to split in half due to rust. You might want to check yours out.
Mine looks to be OK. It’s a pretty rust free rig.
? Why ? .
Because you know what you want and need .
This doesn’t look like a shyte / penalty box at all .
I too prefer *just* enough vehicle to get my job done, who cares what others think, they’re usually in the rear view anyway =8-) .
Papa would be proud I think .
-Nate
Ed posted about someone looking for a cheap off-roader for under 4K, didn’t even think it might be for you. I responded that a Suzuki or a regular cab short bed pickup (Ranger or Dakota or a fullsize) would be my choices.
I owned a Samurai and 4 wheeled with guys with trackers and Grand Vitaras, they are tough little trucks, easy to modify and durable. about 10 years ago I came very close to buying one just like yours but ended up with an Outback instead. I’m 6’3″ and agree they are very roomy upfront, also about the most efficient body on frame 4wd vehicle out there.
I would try out the 4wd a few times before you need it and change the fluid. Sometimes people never use it and linkages and bearing start having issues.
Can’t wait to hear how it does out on the trail.
I did put it in 4WD Low range when I test drove it, and it seemed fine. My pan is to change all the fluids anyway.
Good dodge of that little V6. I had exposure to one in an XL-7, the slightly longer, allegedly 7-seat version of this GV, and the economy was quite comically bad, and I do mean laughable: about 14 mpg, used normally, and yes, it was checked. The power band was just all kinds of wrong for a fairly lumpen 4wd, and anyway, the endless hard-rev work wears them out.
As for Suzy fours, I believe God is still happy with his, which He got at Creation to move about in (it seemed mysterious at that time, hence the aphorism). He does change the oil as per, neglect of which is their only way to be killed.
It’s an awful lot of k’s on the transmission, but when unstressed by a six or a turbo, Aisin autos of this era seem good for just about ever also. Ask God, pretty sure His is one, as I don’t think He does manuals. (Why He has long handed over modern automatics for Satan to make is a Holy Mystery, but also another whole topic).
This old bus has more appeal to me than your famed X-Bus, so I have a bias for it. If up high and skinny, why not add a bit of off-road ambition? More fuel, of course, though an ungodly manual would diminish that difference, but just a level of practicality beyond the aesthetic and noise-induced discomforts of the Toyota. Put another way, I always got why people wanted these, and, though the current RAV is comparative giant, I get why they still want their descendants today.
That older Austrian gent and his habits? He’s somewhere poised between mean and sensible enviro-thrifty, I can never decide which. Anyway, as you know him best, it’s perhaps also best to just ask him the “why” directly.
The XL-7 has always intrigued me, because it was a stretched (in both wheelbase and rear overhang) version of the 4-door Tracker/Vitara, which was already stretched from the 2-door model.
Congratulations! This is another perfect tool for a specific job – everything you need and nothing that you don’t, including an extra 1,500 pounds.
Great purchase Paul, I agree a manual would have been nice but the auto is good for slow 4WD work and if Stephanie can drive it that’s good too.
You fit in the drivers seat well, are you going to be able to sleep in the back like you did with the Xb?
I have to tell you my daughter Erin D is going to be impressed, earlier this year she told me she needed an “adventure car” and started sending me CL ads of JDM Mitsubishi Pajeros and hopelessly rusty Trackers (which are the only kind around here).
And I affirm that keeping a little European thinking in your head is a very good idea.
I could very much sleep in it if I took out the front seat like I did in the xB. But my nephew is coming along, so that won’t work. There’s a guy on a forum that built a plywood bed like that in his Tracker; he just pushed the front seat all the forward. That yielded a 68″ bed; a bit short for 75″ me. But that might work. Or maybe a little fold-out extension out the back end? It’s not like there’s bugs where we’re going.
Yes, I’ve seen on forums that rust is the enemy of these. The underside of mine looks utterly pristine.
Also I like the idea of 235/75R15 tires. That’s what I ran on my Samurai and XJ Cherokee. I used all terrains on the XJ and Muds on the samurai (basically a trail rig). When you have a smaller narrower vehicle with a fairly short wheelbase you don’t need huge tires. I easily went everywhere my fiends with fullsize trucks and 33-35″ tires went.
Also while I love pickup trucks I have always found my SUV’s were better in most offroad situations thanks to the same shorter wheelbase and also more equal weight transfer. I recall following a friend in a 78 F250 on 33″ tires on some muddy access roads in my jeep after a spring thaw and rainstorm. At the end of the trail he was like wow almost didn’t make it up a few sections, I told him I know I almost had to put it in 4wd.
Yes, I decided to steer towards a little SUV for several reasons, and that is one of them. Also, I don’t like how one sits in all the compact pickups: too low to the floor, even in the current Tacoma. The seats in these are much higher off the floor, which suits me better.
That’s absolutely astounding for $2500. Around here (and in today’s weird market) the same trucklet, in much worse condition, asks $6-7000.
I need to start shopping for cars in Eugene/Salem.
It looks great in the pics! It is 20 years old with 200k miles, but still.
And the four cylinder seems better for off road, less torque, less likely to get stuck in mud, especially in 4wd mode. Easier to service. Better on gas. All more than make up for the loss of smoothness compared to V6.
I’d say our host hit the jackpot–congrats!
Wife had one of the older square Trackers. It had many fine qualities – but good fuel mileage from the standard 4 cylinder was not one of those good qualities. At any sustained speed above about 50, mileage dropped into the teens. I was told by more than a few owners that the V6 actually got better highway mileage. The 4 was OK around town, but something made those old 4 cylinder Trackers absolute guzzlers over the road. Hopefully Paul won’t have to drive too far on highways.
What a great little car the Tracker was. They were very popular in Canada and were built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. They have reputation for being tough as nails.
When I returned from Korea in 2004 I really wanted a Tracker but I was flat broke.
Congratulations on a great find!
Nice S-shaped belt line on the front doors for better visibility around the base of the A-pillars (it lowers the side view mirrors). The design predates the F-150.
Nice find! I never realized that these were bof and had a two speed transfer case. Now that you have this, are you going to unmodify your xB?
I look forward to hearing about your mods and your future trip report.
Normally I’d say you got a good deal but in today’s market I’d say you got a great deal. Given some decent tires I’m sure it will do what you want it to. Some more suitable tires, check/fill/replace the fluids, filters, brakes and ignition components as needed and you should be good to go have some fun.
I could see keeping the Xbox, or this, down at the coast for use there.
Gratuliere! Older Austrian guys still living in rural and mountainous Austria seem to love the first-gen Fiat Panda 4×4 by Steyr-Puch, so I’ve read, but this buy comes mighty close.
Have fun, and I look forward to hearing how you adapt it for the trip.
I had a colleague who drove 3 of the earlier series in succession and would have nothing said against them. He had autos, as he was the only one legged vegetarian I knew who lived on a boat (he wouldn’t object to that precis either).
Buying the first car you see – it’s worked for me on 2 Alfas, so you should be OK on a Suzuki-alike
Nice wheels! The Z28 lookalike wheels add an attractive American touch.
Although I’ve never been interested in off roading as such, the idea of dirt or forest service roads seems like a logical extension of my concept of “touring.” I’ve tossed around the idea of getting one of those little Japanese 4X4s for a couple of years, as it seems a good way to get my feet wet. Hopefully your Suzuki will hold together for your adventure. I’d be most concerned about the auto transmission, as they can fail somewhat unexpectedly. Well, “no guts, no glory!” l’ll be anticipating your reports.
I’m looking forward to seeing how it does! I’ve had the Suzuki version for the past 6 years, a 2001 with the v6 and 5 speed, took 3+ years of searching to find one in decent shape with the stick. I test drove two 4 cyl 5 speeds in years past, the 99 was slow but didn’t rev terribly high, the 94 was at 4500 rpm at 70 which I couldn’t deal with for a daily driver though I prefer that generation body style and steering setup, and manual hubs.
Mine has 16” wheels which are hard to find as most were 15s, not sure if Suzukis had bigger brakes that needed bigger wheels or not. It rides well (I keep my tires at 35psi) and has done well in light off roading though I wish low range was geared a bit lower.