Used Suzuki Vitara review and buying guide (2015 to present): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Suzuki Vitara should you buy?

Go for a petrol Vitara rather than the 1.6 DDiS diesel. Diesels from 2015 to 2018 have a known problem with the EGR valve and DPF clogging when the car's mostly used for short town trips, and the diesel's also the one with a cambelt, tensioners and water pump to keep on top of. If most of your driving's local, that settles it.

Whichever engine you choose, the rear tyres are the thing to watch. Several 2017 and 2018 cars wore the outer edges of their rear tyres down early, and Suzuki issued a UK service bulletin to replace the rear axle over that wear, with owners told about it when they booked a service. A car with paperwork showing the new axle's gone on is the one to go for.

Recalls aside, little's on record about the newest Vitaras, good or bad, so don't take the silence as proof they're sorted. One owner's brand-new 2019 Allgrip had its rear sunroof shatter in heavy rain at 250 miles, though that's one car rather than a pattern. On any later car, give the rear tyres and gearbox the same scrutiny you'd give a 2016 one.

Which Vitara engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

The petrols are the better bet, because they avoid the diesel's EGR and DPF trouble. The 1.6 DDiS is a Fiat-sourced unit (the 1.6 Multijet), and on 2015 to 2018 cars its EGR valve and particulate filter block up if it rarely gets a long run, usually somewhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.

That diesel also needs its timing belt, tensioners and water pump renewed every 72,000 miles or 5 years, so treat a car near either mark with no receipt for the job as one that still needs it doing. The 1.6 DDiS was also recalled to have its engine control module reprogrammed, so ask for proof that's been done.

On the petrol side, two owners of 1.6 automatics weren't happy with the gearbox: one felt a pronounced jerk going from first to second, and another found it hunting between gears on gentle slopes with cruise control set. One owner of a 1.4 Boosterjet 4WD found the gearchange clunky and hard to engage at low speeds. So on an auto, feel the first-to-second shift and use the cruise on a slope; on a Boosterjet, try selecting gears at walking pace.

What should you check when viewing a used Vitara?

Crouch down behind the car and compare the inner and outer edges of both rear tyres. One 2017 car had its outer edges at the wear limit while the inner edges still had 3.5mm, and another 2017 car had 2mm more gone on the outsides at 24,000 miles. Wear like that on a car with no axle paperwork means the job's still waiting.

On the test drive, watch the dash for radar brake support warnings saying it's disabled or not active. Owners of 2015, 2017 and 2018 cars have had it cut out, and early 2015 cars were recalled over unintended braking. Ask for proof of that and any other recall work: late 2015 cars over rear axle bolts that could loosen or break, 2018 and 2019 cars over the brake vacuum pump's check valve, and some 2023 cars over a damaged rear brake pipe.

Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for knocks. One owner's 2016 two-wheel-drive car needed a new steering rack because an inner joint had worn badly; Suzuki covered the part and the owner paid £100. One 2017 Boosterjet owner felt a slight grinding from the brakes, so listen for that when you slow down.

On a diesel, check the engine management light goes out once it's running and feel for hesitation when you accelerate, both signs of a clogged EGR valve or DPF. Ask how it's been used, too: a car that's only ever done short runs is the one to be wary of. Past 72,000 miles or 5 years, ask for the cambelt receipt alongside the engine control module recall paperwork.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Suzuki Vitara cost to run?

What do Vitara owners like about them?

It's a much better car to drive than the Vitara it replaced, and it's smaller and lighter than that older model too. Shrinking it didn't cost the cabin much, though: there's more room inside than you'd expect from something this compact.

The spare wheel well is a handy touch. It's deep enough to take a full-size wheel and tyre, or a space-saver with a tool tray sitting above it, which is worth knowing if the car you're looking at has only come with a tyre repair kit.

• The 2015 Suzuki Vitara is a more compact and lighter vehicle, offering improved fuel efficiency and a better driving experience.
• The Vitara provides more interior space compared to rivals such as the Nissan Juke.
• The Vitara achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2015, with strong scores for occupant and pedestrian protection.
• The Vitara's spare wheel well can accommodate either a full-size road wheel and tyre or a space-saver with a tool tray.