Help for the better half's parents - Mini SUV or similar

[notsurewhatmynameis]

Hi all,

Need some help from the great minds of this forum please.

The better half's parents are looking to view the below vitara 1.0 boosterjet tomorrow:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301063...

Firstly, does anyone know much about the vitara's and specifically that engine? any things to look out for? tried a google and nothing jumping out at me.

Secondly, the vitara leaves me pretty cold, even the top spec ones. Does anyone recommend any other petrol mini SUVs or similar? Primary want is a slightly higher sitting position so any other cars that can fulfil that requirement.

I was thinking the c3 aircross? I know nothing of them but think I hear people speak very well of them.

Budget of around 13k but would probably go up a few grand for the right car.

Cheers!

[Fozzie73]

Panda 4x4.

4 door. High seating position. Light to drive. Cost buttons to run and (honestly) quite fun on the back roads.

Love ours.

[Percy Cushion]

Sorry, this isn’t much help but £13k for a Vitara! What car do they have now or what have they just sold? How many miles per year do they drive? There’s much better ways of spending that money. Really sorry, OP, I recognise that want the answer you were looking for.

[notsurewhatmynameis]

Percy Cushion said:

Sorry, this isn’t much help but £13k for a Vitara! What car do they have now or what have they just sold? How many miles per year do they drive? There’s much better ways of spending that money. Really sorry, OP, I recognise that want the answer you were looking for.

Haha I know, basically my first thoughts! Not a lot of miles to be honest. They have both just retired so potentially could do a bit more miles now but I'd say max 5k P/A.

Petrol engine preferred.

They have just got rid of an old Toyota rav4(?) I think and looking to sell their old polo gti too to consolidate to one car. Cheers

[Silenoz]

A Suzuki Ignis might be worth a look?

[notsurewhatmynameis]

Fozzie73 said:

Panda 4x4.

4 door. High seating position. Light to drive. Cost buttons to run and (honestly) quite fun on the back roads.

Love ours.

Good shout! Someone I work with has one and always says how great it is.

[edc]

At a similar age/size/budget there are things like the Seat Ateca, BMW X1

[Silvanus]

Had a Vitara on my list a few years ago, that shape but cheaper. Probably one of the most average cars I've ever driven. I'm surprised they are still selling them considering how old they are. Certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money on one. Saw a toad test a little while back and it was even beaten by a Ssangyong.

Might be worth looking at the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Stonic, Kia likely to have a big chunk or warranty still on it too. Loads for sale and they get favourable reviews.

Dacia Duster worth a look too, would have one over the Vitara every day of the week.

[Macron]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Jag_NE]

I know this isn’t the answer you are looking for OP but I’d try to avoid getting involved! When I’ve tried to help family members (who aren’t interested in cars) with choosing cars they tend to drive me up the wall with really weird preferences and virtually no interest in the things that are important. I’ve also been blamed for when the car wasn’t perfectly reliable. If they are looking at something Japanese and petrol they are probably in the right zone.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're decent & not a bad place to be but I would look at these:

CX-3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...

Juke Tekna:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208058...

Kuga:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110228...