This needs more views. I have a 2006 J20 automatic. I bought it used. I got it at a cheap price but had/ have to complete work on it. ISSUES I encountered, Slight leak on trans case due to tread bolt issue. (Resolved), AC fan area had to be knocked due to brushes issue (solved), Steering wheel squeak when turning(unresolved), oil leak under engine ( mechanic tighten bolts but still see leak) unresolved. Transmission hoes were not the right ones - Resolved. Belt was wornout changed but get a squeaking noise most likely belt tensioner needs changing unresolved. Paint on roof and bonnet worn out (most vitara I SEE have paint ISSUES (needs repaint), one coil on the engine was broken, the other was not the correct coil so some mechanic change the clip and rewired one of the coils to work (resolved), brake fluid was dirty (resolved), vehicle vibrates ( mechanic mention the transmission mount may have been rebuilt and seems stiffer, I believe the engine mount might need to change (unresolved), lights are murky (unresolved), only one speaker was working ( partially resolved installed another 500w speaker but it plays very low at full volume compared to genuine speaker), After reversing down a steep hill I started getting a clanking noise near driver wheel mechanic said I need to change the rod coming from my wheel to the steering rack (unresolved), windows were slow to go up cleaned most of the murk but still need to clean inside door(partially resolved, radio is basic no sub ports , only one cigarette lighter works - unresolved. Have to change door insides cause they look worn out for the driver side due to people resting the hand on the door I assume. The 2.0 drink Good, acceleration takes time because of engine size but once it gets going it goes. Handling is Good but a bit stiff (very responsive), engine noise is loud when accelerating high, I changed all fluids and plan to change transmission fluid every other oil change to ensure long life . Own did mention transmission was rebuilt, when I change gear manually only you can hear it click into place but not issue while driving or anything. That's about it.. they say the plastic in the vehicle is bad but for all the ones I've seen the plastic last long. People just need to take care of their vehicles.

Thank you for the detailed review

Just got a 2007 diesel model and yep, every issue mentioned...