Considering buying a 02 Grand Vitara. Is it expensive to maintain?

We bought it on Friday from a car lot. I googled reviews on it. There weren't many (about 141 compared to over a thousand on the honda accord we were also considering). But most of the reviews were great...saying that they were dependable. I wasn't really asking if it was a good buy. I was asking if anyone who owned a Suzuki found them to be more expensive to maintain than other cars (like...say a honda). I have two friends with Suzukis. I asked them this question too. They both said "I don't really know. It's never been in the shop (and one was a 2003). One woman had to have a headlight bulb replaced and the other needed brakes repaired (her husband bought the part for $20 and fix them himself). Based off of all that information, and the fact that this vehicle was in excellent condition on the exterior, interior, and under the hood...we decided to go and buy it. I hope we have as much good luck with it as my friends have had with their suzukis! Thanks for taking the time to answer.

glad to hear it. i knew you were going to buy it as soon as you said other 1/2 didn't want to get it.that will be a good car for your daughter.you don't have to worry about a timing belt breaking,because it has a timing chain and requires no service and should last the life of the engine.that engine was built by Japan which is good.they merged with GM in 06-07 but the 02 is Japan built!i have a 93 accord(also Japan built) with almost 300,000 miles on it,and i wouldn't trade it for 5 Mercedes or BMW's and i'm not kidding.the paint is fading on it,BUT it's still rolling on down the road.hope daughter enjoys her new vehicle,and should last a long long time.good luck with it.