Suzuki XL-7

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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If you don't offroad, try the S/T version of the scorpions. They are an All-season tire made for trucks and it should provide a much quieter ride for on-road situations.

    -mike
  • jjackjoe1jjackjoe1 Member Posts: 5
    Greetings. I'm new and if this topic has been addressed before, my apologies.

    I am trying to get one of Suzuki's XL-7 "special deals" (see Suzuki website) that is now $249.95/mo. for 39 months on the 4WD Auto Standard XL-7. It's the "Standard" part that's tying me up: I'd like to seat 7-passengers. So...the question is can I get the "Standard" model which seats only 5 passengers, and buy the 3rd-row seat (anyone know the cost)? are there latches on the floor of the Standard version where I can latch the 3rd-row seat?

    And...the Standard does not have rear air conditioning controls....but does it have the rear air ducts? Any help on this would be appreciated...JJackJoe.
  • ogdensogdens Member Posts: 9
    I would like the added traction of a limited slip differential in the XL-7. Is it available (or standard)?
  • anu0anu0 Member Posts: 13
    Suzuki claims 7 passenger seating. However, one local Suzuki dealer advertises it's 6 passenger only.

    Which is it?

    Can 4 adults and 3 kids in car seats fit in an XL-7 (with the 3rd row seats option of course)?
  • ogdensogdens Member Posts: 9
    I have recently climbed all over the inside of the XL-7 and put my 2 small children in car seats in the rear seat to check the available space. My take is that 2 kids in car seats can fit in the 3rd row (or 2nd row) and with proper adjustment (and a driver at or under 6 ft.) 2 adults can fit in the remaining row. The adults will definitely fit better in the second row, however. Also, any oversize people will definitely break this arrangement!
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    I believe it is more realistic to call it a 6 seater. Sure, you could fit a third person in the middle of the second row, but it's darn uncomfortable. It has to do with the 60/40 split of the seat. There is an awkward hump there that I would not sit on for more than a block or two. Also, I could not securely mount our childs car seat in the middle spot at all. It leaned on the "hump" and just didn't sit well. It was much more secure and solid in the outboard position behind the drivers seat. In my opinion, it's more important to have the seat securely mounted in the outboard position than poorly mounted in the middle.
    We didn't buy it because of the third row or seven seating, but because of the value and features. I would not plan on using it for seven people on a regular basis, but six fit fine.
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    Do they have the same deal we got last year? Where you can get a Plus, auto, 4x4 for $249 a month for 48 months? I would highly recommend at least getting the Plus. It has the alloy wheels, rear air and third row (but not the sunroof, rear spoiler or fog lights). I think you'll regret only getting the standard. As it is, we wish we had some of the Touring options (mentioned above).
    We did have to put $1,995 down and we paid the TT&L up front ($800 +/-), but that $250 a month is nice on the pocket book.
  • jjackjoe1jjackjoe1 Member Posts: 5
    No, at least I don't think so. I have talked with one Suzuki dealer who didn't even know that Suzuki had a "special deal" on its web site. He also tried to tell me the Standard XL-7 has seating for 7 (it seats 5). The new lease offer terms are on the Suzuki web site. That website's math doesn't agree regarding the required down payment amount. Builds a lot of confidence when nobody knows their own products, doesn't it???!!!
  • momx2momx2 Member Posts: 14
    Has anyone had problems trailering items (such as snowmobiles)? My husband feels that the HP/ narrow wheel base will hinder the LX-7S capability to trailer in the snow. I have had the XL-7 with 4WD since August and I love it. I personally, feel that it will do.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just curious if anyone on here is from the NY/Philly Metro areas. We often do light offroading in NJ and I'd love to see some XL7s out there.

    -mike
  • ncjudgencjudge Member Posts: 30
    I also would like info on where you can get oil filters for the XL-7. Any help would be appreciated.
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    Too bad they're not offering that deal we got last year. Maybe they will later in the year. The rear air is really cool (no pun intended) and cools off the whole car quickly. You mentioned it does have the rear vents though? Is the air speed controlled by the main fan up front?

    As a note, I'm seeing more and more XL-7's on the road. I regularly see one or two a week in SE Virginia. Not such an oddity any more, but still rare.

    We're coming up on about 7,000 miles and not a lick of trouble yet. Solid little buggy and my wife says she'll never be able to go back to a car again. Especially after using 4WD in the snow a few weeks ago, it was a tank! I wish those tires were better, but can't blame Suzuki entirely for that.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I picked up mine at Track Auto. It looked a little funny so I went to the dealer and talked to the parts manager. It is a Fram and he said it was just fine. It is just that Fram has a different design: it is a little shorter but is an inch or more in diammater. Perfectly fine.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I am just over 9K and still like it. You are correct about seeing more on the road but they will never be like an Explorer where you see one on every corner, which is just fine by me.
    On the 4WD: I used mine last week and found that unless your wheels are exactly 100% straight it will not go into 4WD. Have you had that happen to you? The gearing just will not mesh. If I stop it goes in just fine but the book says you can do it on the move up to 50 or 55 MPH for 4Hi. I was doing about 25. Comments?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yep since you have a prt-time system it makes sense that the wheels need to be relatively straight to engage properly.

    Fram: I've heard nothing but poor ratings of Fram filters, I try to stay away from them when possible.

    -mike
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    I hadn't notice the wheels needing to be straight, but I've always known they should be and have always made sure they were before engaging. It has to do with the way the differential locks them together, so they need to be rotating at the exactly the same rate. This is also the reason why it is important not to engage 4wd on dry pavement, as you turn, the outside wheels rotate faster than the inner and when they're "locked" together, they can't. This then causes tremendous stress on the drive line components. But it is cool that you can engage while at speed. My Tacoma is the same way.

    The other morning I was tooling down the road (in my Taco) and saw a large ice patch coming up quick. I just reached down, shifted in to 4hi, went over the ice, shifted back in to 2hi and kept rolling. Back in the day of manual hubs I couldn't have done that. The next best thing to full time 4wd.
  • roland8roland8 Member Posts: 5
    I just wanted to comment on the ideas about manual hubs and things. Your right in one respect, the newer vehicles with so-called automatic hubs are easier to use. But there are some benefits to having manual hubs. I just installed a pair of WARN Premium Manual Hubs on my 1999 Tracker, and really like them. One, when they are unlocked, the driveline has less drag on it, because the axles connected the front diff are not turning, as they would normally be always turning. This in turn will allow better gas mileage, and less wear on driveline components. Also, these hubs are so strong that I could leave them locked all winter, and do that for many years, before they have to be replaced. Although WARN Industries has a great warranty on them as well.

    Also, if I am going to a place that will potentially have inclement road conditions, I will lock the hubs and I can still shift on the fly at up to about 60 mph, which is what the owners manual says is safe.

    I am curious, do all Tacoma's now come with auto locking hubs? Because I test one last year that still used manual hubs. Have fun on the trails.

    matt
  • anu0anu0 Member Posts: 13
    I checked out the Touring model at the local auto show and was dismayed to find that there were no lighted vanity mirrors. Are they not available at all on the XL-7? All I saw was a sliding plastic thingy you had to move to get to the mirror. That lack of a lighted vanity mirror conveys an impression of cheapness and is now making me have 2nd thoughts of buying this truck. Sure it's reliabe and safe but small things like this also make a difference.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    On a lot of japanese trucks the vanity mirror and glove box lights are only activated when the parking/headlights are on.

    -mike
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    My taco is a '99, not sure about the newer ones. I imagine you can still get manual hubs, my '97 had them. I agree manuals are tougher and will be more trouble free in the long run. But I love the convenience of the auto's.

    I don't think the visor mirrors are lighted on the XL-7, (at least not on our Plus). Yes, there a few items that are on the cheaper side, but that's where they can make it more affordable. I don't think there is any cheapness in the important stuff like the engine and drive train.

    I had my doubts when we first bought ours, but everyday it proves itself a solidly built little buggy. It is what it is and doesn't try to be more than that, but we really like it. As they say in there ad campaign, "it fits".
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I have a 2001 limited and there is no light, but then I do not check myself out when on the move so it makes no matter to me.
    Yes, things are not up to true luxury standards but then again I would have had to come up with 10K more in an Explorer for the vanity lights. I am getting ready to add the auto dimming rear view mirror with temp and compass in a few weeks. For the money the XL-7 is heads and shoulders above anything else on the road. The more I drive it the more I like it.
  • jamthompjamthomp Member Posts: 16
    I'm planning on getting a Coleman Pop-up camper. Once loaded with gear I expect it to weigh around 2000 lbs. Has anyone done any towing with their XL-7? What kind of gas mileage did you see? Any bad swaying experiences or recommendations for someone that has never towed anything?

    James
  • jimbobennyjimbobenny Member Posts: 1
    All in all, I love my XL-7. 2001 touring 4x4 5m, 22000 miles. Just had our first problem - the air compressor locked up and caused a belt to break. The local guy (we're miles from a dealer) unhooked the a/c and we're set for warranty service next week. 2 questions:

    1. what could have caused this?

    2. Has anyone else had this happen?

    Also, does anyone know how to replace the a/c air filter? One more really dumb question - how do you get wiper washer fluid into the back window assembly?
  • clay11clay11 Member Posts: 17
    Towed a Starcraft 10' pop-up camper trailer from Vancouver, Canada to Yellowstone Park and back last summer. Trailer (a rental) weighed approx 1800 lbs and towed beautifully. Had four adults, one toddler and two dogs in the XL-7 for the trip. Never a doubt about overheating or ability to pull. The six cylinder purred. No sway, but make sure your ball joint and trailer connector are at equal, or as near equal, height. This will avoid the risk of sway and/or bouncing. Like you, had not towed anything until then. Took a bit of getting used to with the extra width, but a day or so overcame that. Advice is take a little extra care at first, get used to the weight at the back and don't worry about the XL-7 handling it.
  • yugoboyyugoboy Member Posts: 161
    Hello, I am currently looking for a car for my girl friend, took a look at the new AERIO hatch back today great little car, lot's of standard feature's and quite a strong engine 141 HP to be exact. Just curious, dont really hear that much about suzuki at the best of times, wondering how reliable the brand is over the long term. I personally drive a infiniti g20, love it to death, never had a problem with it, just hoping the suzuki would be the same way, any input would be greatly appreciated!!!!
  • superhipposuperhippo Member Posts: 2
    My friend told me that auto-headlights can be disabled by pushing the button on the e-brake. I haven't tried it yet myself, but will tonight and let you know.
  • superhipposuperhippo Member Posts: 2
    http://www.lightsout.org/disable.html
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    My latest issue of Motor Trend arrived yesterday and the long term update of the XL-7 was included. Except for a flat tire (they did not like the location of the tire jack) there were no problems listed. It continues to impress and is enjoyed by those who drive it. NO RECALLS EITHER!!!!! YOU HEAR ME FORD AND GM?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Isn't that nice. At least GM hasn't gotten into meddling with the Suzuki mix too much. I wheeled with a Grand Vitara down in the PB on Feb 17, check pics at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events


    -mike

  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Like you I hope GM keeps their hand off. There are some GM parts like the cruise control on the turn signal and I am sure some we do not see. If they can let Suzuki be Suzuki like Ford has been able to help Jaguar they will do well.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You do know that the S-type is a re-badged Lincoln LS and the X-type is a rebadge Modeno right? :(

    Lets hope for the best for suzuki.

    -mike
  • imadad1stimadad1st Member Posts: 18
    Just wanted to give anyone interested an update to the problem I had with the noise apparently coming from my transfer case. As you might remember, they replaced the case, and the problem didn't go away (pretty expensive experiment, got to appreciate their initiative). Regional guy suggested replacing the shift lever, suspecting that it was misshaped and applying sideways pressure to the internals. Bingo! My XL-7's perfect again. Took some time, and some prodding, but they didn't blow me off, like I've had done to me with some earlier vehicles.

    Jimbobenny- Noticed nobody gave you any answers to one of your questions earlier. I believe that the single reservoir under the hood services both the windshield and back window. I had the same question, but after replacing the OEM "blue stuff" with RainX orange, the back one shoots orange too (hated the blue streaks down the hood -- love RainX).

    Recently developed some creaking that I tracked down to the seal around the sunroof (cold probably gets to it). Easily solved by applying some Armor-All protectant to the inside of the seal with a Q-Tip to lubricate it. Just pulled the seal away little-by-little. Doesn't seem to need any gripping power, since it's shaped pretty precisely to the opening.

    Did my first oil change myself a couple of weekends ago (no this isn't it's first, just the first "home" job). What a bite! I'd love to get ahold of the engineer that put the filter in such an inaccessible place. Had to unscrew the filter from the top, set it on the crossmember, then jack the truck up high enough to crawl under and pull it out from behind the first crossmember. Anybody got some suggestions to making easier (and less messy)?

    Still averaging around 23mpg (mostly highway) at about 7200 miles. Still love this truck! Gonna keep this one for a good long time.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Paisan, I think re-badged is a bit of an overstatement. A Mountaineer is a rebadged Explorer and a marquis is a rebadged crown victoria. I agree they use the same chaise and even some of the drivetrain but after that it is a whole new ball game. In this day and age it is almost impossible to find a single car that is not based on some other car. Pity the poor fool that buys the new cadalac ext when all it is is a rebadged chevy.

    Imadade--tell me about that old oil change. I did my first one at 5k and what a bear. However, I use mobile 1 and only do it every 5k. At only about 600-700 miles a month that makes no more than two changes a year and mobil 1 is the best yo can get.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well for me a rebadge means the meat and potatoes of the vehicle are shared. For instance a mountaineer and the explorer are re-badged. The meat and potatoes are the same stuff. They come off the same lines, etc. For me the trim pieces and facias don't constitue it being a different car. Then again, I'm an all-go-no-show type, function over form. :)

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    March 17 Pine Barrens Monthly Trail Ride


    Info on a gently off-road experience in the Pine Barrens of Central/Southern NJ. Come on out for a day of adventure, fun, and comradre with fellow SUV/Off-road/Rally/Car Nuts! Info at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events


    -mike

  • parideparide Member Posts: 52
    Hello All - I've been considering purchasing an XL-7 since last summer, and finally bought one last week (Touring, auto, 4x4). My wife and I took it on a long trip this weekend, and are extremely impressed with this vehicle.

    I've been following this Town Hall board for the last several months, and have found it very informative. I have a question regarding the recommended tire pressure (if this has been addressed before, I apologize). Does anyone know why Suzuki recommends a 10lb. difference in pressure between the front and rear tires. A front tire pressure of 26lbs. seems much too low (max cold psi is 44lbs.), but it also seems strange that they recommend 36lbs. in the rear tires. Has anyone tried running with increased pressures (36front/40rear for example)? My 1990 Mazda MPV used to chew through tires until I began running them at the max cold psi., and I don't want to start wearing out the tires prematurely on the XL-7.

    Thanks.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Congratulations on your new XL-7! I am sure that the friendly folks in this forum will be more than happy to help you out.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    I agree with you that 26 psi is way too low. I have ours at about 30-32 all the way around. I have no proof of this, but I think they're trying to provide a softer ride, at the expense of handling, tire wear and braking.

    These Bridgestone tires are marginal quality at best and I think running them at 26 is just asking for premature wear. I also found the steering very heavy at this rate.

    Do not, however, run them at the max pressure! This can be very dangerous and will probably knock your fillings loose on every bump. Max is just that, MAX. If these were on a heavier vehicle, you might need them at a higher pressure than our XL-7's require. I found at 32+ the ride was just too harsh.

    Enjoy your XL-7, happy zukin'
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I think higher rear pressures are suggested on a lot of trucks for load reasons. They assume you'll be loading down the back so they have you increase the TP in the rear. My Trooper requires 5psi higher in the rear.

    -mike
  • parideparide Member Posts: 52
    Thanks for the information. A 5psi front to rear tire pressure differential is not unusual, but a 10psi differential with 26psi in the front seemed strange (it made me wonder what, if anything, Suzuki was trying to correct by playing with the tire pressure). I'm going to increase the front tires to 31psi (keeping a 5psi differential) and see how the XL-7 behaves.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    It is the start of the season for doing events for our Greyhound Group so we will be doing lots of back roads, wet muddy fields (as in today) where a real 4X4 is needed. It is almost like a tread lightly event. I will let everyone know how it went.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Well, I have to say that even with the standard tires she did really well this weekend. Went through the mud and up the hills with no trouble and some of them were failry steep. Many cars (FWD) and 2WD trucks just could not handle it and had to park far away (like a half mile)and walk to the event. Also had some nice comments on the trucks looks.
  • parideparide Member Posts: 52
    I finally got around to checking the cold tire pressure, and found out that the truck either came from the factory, or was adjusted at the dealership (prior to delivery) to 36psi all around. Considering the factory recommended pressures of 26 front/36 rear, this is interesting. I'll be callng the dealer on this, but since no one in my family is complaining about the ride, I'll probably keep the tire pressure as it is set now.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Paisan, how did the off road event go? Did any XL-7s show up and if so how did they do?
    Oil change this weekend. Boy, what a pain, that filter is so hard to get to but that is why I use Mobil 1.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    No XL7s although there are pics up at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events I finally got my Trooper stuck after almost 2 years of off-roading. High centered it on a log in a puddle.


    -mike

  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Now let me get this right: you high centered your truck in a PUDDLE!!!!:-) Joke guy. To bad none showed but most of us, myself included, did not buy mine to do real off roading, even the light stuff.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm sure they would have done fine. Probably with some minor modifications they could be outstanding due to their short wheelbase and rugged frame. We did have a guy in February (If you check out the feb pics) come with an XL7 and he did well, he had upgraded tires on it IIRC.

    Anyone in the area is always welcome to come along, in April there is a 3 day camping/offroading trip in central North Carolina if anyone is interested.

    -mike
  • tmdaman1tmdaman1 Member Posts: 9
    My wife and I just purchased a 2002 Cool Beige Metallic Limited 4wd with heated seats and mats for below invoice!!!!! We are VERY happy with this vehicle!!!
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Well, congratulations on your new truck. I have a 2001 limited and we really like it. Mine was also a very nice deal. Actually the dogs really like it since it was bought with them in mind. The rear air is really nice for them in the summer. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as the others on this board have. I am just pushing 10k now and not a problem.
    On suggestion if I might--get the full bra ASAP. It is one of the few that actually looks good and it really helps keep the front end in good shape. I also purchased the window vents. I guess part of buying a new truck is all the toys that go with it.
    Did your come with mud flaps? Mine did not and they went on the I got it. Seems funny that a limited version of a vehicle would not include flaps but they go right on.
  • phillyguy2phillyguy2 Member Posts: 27
    Just took my wife for a test drive in LTD 4wd. I/she really liked the way it handled. The other SUV we are considering is the Honda CR-V. Very hard to compare.
    1. Honda is $2000 less when discount on Xl-7 subtracted.
    2. Honda resale better
    3. Honda more economical
    4. Honda better dash with CD changer
    5 XL-7 V6
    6. XL-7 LTD leather seats
    7. XL-7 selective 4wd(not sure which is better)
    8. XL-7 better looking,IMO
    9. XL-7 3rd row seat(not an advantage-no kids)
    I know this is not a CR-V vs XL-7 forum, but all the town hall posts leave off the Suzuki in comparos in the small SUV category and I don't know why since it's around the price of a loaded Escape. Any input from XL-7 owners appreciated.
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