Michael Steer and his Vitara

Michael's family orientated lifestyle is no match for the Suzuki Vitara. Comfort, size and reliability are what make picking up the grandkids, day trips and everyday activities a breeze. Continue reading to see what else Michael admires about his Vitara.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in Johnsonville, a northern suburb of Wellington. I am a retired public servant, having been a secondary school teacher for 15 years before I worked in the former Department of Education, and then the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for the rest of my career.

Is this your first new car?

No. We previously purchased a new Suzuki SX4 which we purchased from Mexted Motors in Tawa.

Why did you choose Suzuki over other brands?

We have been with Mexteds for a very long time. We previously had Mitsubishi cars. When we were considering a change, more than one friend strongly recommended Suzuki to us (“I just love my Suzuki”). We wanted a smaller car and nothing came near the SX4. It met all our needs. We have loved all of our Suzukis. 

What do you love about your Suzuki?

The SX4 was fabulous. We traded it for a Vitara Turbo. It again met our needs:

• engine (power when needed)
• fuel economy (although it runs on 95),
• size - while not a big car it has good leg room, space for grandchildren’s car seats, and a good-sized boot
• it's reliable with excellent service from Mexteds
• and excellent turning /maneuvering capability. (It does beep a lot!!)

Why was your Suzuki Vitara the right fit?

We talked to Mexteds - it was Covid times – their sales person gave us from memory three options of car makes and models which we discussed. We opted to explore the Vitara further (from memory the SX4 had been discontinued) and finally purchased the white model rather than the black. These were the only two colour options at the time due to Covid, but we were very comfortable with white.

How has owning your Suzuki made a difference in your life?

Not really. The Vitara does what we want, just as the SX4 did, and the previous cars which Mexteds discussed with and sold to us over a very long period. The Vitara does meet our needs and our grandchildren’s needs which have become very important in the past 2 years.

How would you describe your Suzuki to a friend?

The starting comment would be a thoroughly reliable car, ideal for our needs of comfort, with space and extras such as the radio and music. It also met our budget needs and has the positives mentioned above.

Describe the experience you had buying your car?

It was excellent from go to whoa. We went to Mexteds and told them we were looking for a replacement Suzuki. We looked at different models, tried the Vitara on a good test-drive (think we did two tests), went away, came back with a host of questions, all of which were answered without any pressure (again, I think we had two question sessions). We then chose the white Vitara.

How do you use the car day to day?

Mainly kindy and school drops offs and pickups, going to see family and friends, going to church and the various society meetings with which I am involved.

What will you be doing/where will you be going when you next pick up your car keys?

School drop off followed by Johnsonville to Marton day return trip to see family and friends.

What's some advice you would give to someone looking to buy a car?

• If you don’t have one, find a really reliable garage for sales and after sales service.
• Talk to other friends.
• Have a reasonably good idea of what you are looking for that will meet your particular needs, so you are shown the type of car which will meet your needs.
• In addition to any test drive, list the questions you have so you know what you are buying.