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Suzuki XL-7
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Comments
I recently purchased a Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 and I would like to add a CD changer but not through the dealer. The head unit is Clarion and the model numbers on the front of the brochure are PS-2363, PS-2373 and PS-2374. I purchased a Clarion changer from Crutchfield (Model CDC-635) which uses a Cbus connection but that doesn't work. Can anyone tell me which changer will work with this head unit. Crutchfield is $199 for the changer and the dealer is $439
The most annoying thing has been the A/C. I just had the 3rd condensor (sp?) repaired in 3 years. For some reason, it keeps rotting out every winter. Since I'm getting rid of it in the fall/winter for a new vehicle, I'll live with it.
I consistently get 28+ mpg in this truck (sometimes over 30). Granted, this is mostly highway/back-country-road driving, but I'm still quite pleased. Haven't yet found a suitable replacement (ASFA mileage).
For what it's worth, I'm still working on the original brakes (yes, I've check them), clutch, etc. I even got 96K out of the original Bridgestones, and could have gotten more if I weren't so anal about tires. As I said, this is mostly highway type driving, but still pretty good if you ask me.
Part/service availability can be a concern. There just doesn't seem to be a big aftermarket on these yet (probably due to volume). For the few parts I have had to replace, most have been "dealer only" parts, and relatively expensive. For example, the rear seatbelt lock (child) went out on one side, and I had to replace it (myself). Suzuki charged me over $300 for the cartridge. I tried a Tracker module, but there was no cross reference to the Suzuki. Had it been a GM, it would have been about half the price. I've got two dealers I can go to for service, but this is still not as "convenient" as an american car (GM, Ford, etc.)
I'd certainly seriously consider another Suzuki. As a matter of fact, I'm going tonight to test drive the XL-7. I won't be buying one now though, I still have the Saturn Vue on the top of my list (until I get a chance to drive one). The mileage is "reported" to be around the 30 mark, and they offer side impact airbags. Safety and mileage are real high on my list.
Just my $0.02 worth.
-mike
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/98020.htm
Since you won't off-road, having a body-on-frame design and part-time 4WD probably won't be beneficial to you. Unfortunately, that "real frame" didn't help much as far as safety goes either.
I think you'll be hard pressed to find an SUV that will get 30mpg. The Saturn VUE most likely won't. However, Subaru Forester owners appear to be able to get 25mpg or better. Perhaps you may want to consider that too? The Forester received a "Good" in the IIHS 40mph crash test, and is available with side impact airbags, as well as permanent or full-time AWD.
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/98018.htm
The Subaru Forester discussion topic is located here:
http://townhall.edmunds.com/cgi-bin/townhall?FID=ee94fe5
Good luck!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
looking for a CD changer for this car. And I'll be shopping for a Grand Vitara XL-7 in two months, with one question need to ask is the gas mileage on the Grand Vitara XL-7 in real driving numbers. Can anyone fill me in on this? Coz I am getting 20 mpg (70%hwy/30%cty) on my 5sp Grand Vitara, and wonder how much/little worse the XL-7 can do.
Thx in advance!!
driver 36
The only negative is the small amount of luggage space behind the third seat, but we are going to purchase hitch mounted trunk carrier for when we take trips.
Also, I'd like to echo a previous request for "real-world" mileage. CarPoint had a few comments regarding "excellent" mileage, but didn't elaborate as to what exactly it was (if they are comparing it to a 1980 Surburban, I'm not suprised). Anyone got a bead on the highway mileage for a 5-speed? For me, 20 mpg will be quite a step backwards (see my previous posting about my Sidekick).
Thanks to anyone willing to reply.
Mileage is around 21-23MPG city. Ride is comfortable. Quirks are the swinging tailgate makes oversize loads a problem (while not used as a truck, I kind of like loading interior doors when doing renovations at home... no chance now); no door ajar warning light on the dash (have to use the interior light as a sign a door is not properly closed); the rear a/I vent only works with cold air (at least as far as I can tell so far); and the rear 12V socket only works when the ignition is on. Not major, but things I hope Suzuki consider for future models.
Overall, am very happy. Compared several different Subs prior to this and found it had the best overall ride and comfort for the price.
Thanks for your info!
I'm totally agree with you that Suzuki can last a long time without any big
repairs however, you might run into some minor thing such as like the 12V cap get pops out or
switch get loose; other than that you should be fine
driver
Cartex2000
-mike
Check out the depreciation of most vehicles. Nothing strange about losing a third of itself value in first year, maybe 40 percent by second, and upwards of 50-60 percent after 4 years. Heck, you lose about 20-25 percent just driving it off the dealer's lot when it is brand, brand new.
-mike
Also, what was the cost of this option? Again, the salesman didn't install too much confidence in me with his answer. Thanks.
*Keep in mind this is Canadian, so subtract approx. 30% to bring it to $US.
-mike
My GV was great, but I think the XL-7 will be that much better. I spent six months comparing vehicles on this site before I decided to get a GV. The GV got 25.048 MPG overall (Canadian, so 20 US...), and I expect the XL-7 to be 5% less.
I could spend more money on a different truck, but I want 4wd, not AWD, and I want a truck frame, not a wannabe...
IMHO, the XL-7 is THE BEST value in Canada today.
Cheers,
Keith
Abbotsford, BC, CANADA
Also, looking for any new after market assessories or idea's to Jazz-up this street/road Zukie!
7000 miles now! Excellent handling!High rpm's slight inclines,Lacks more pep!Engine rev's! requires OD a lot when starting off and up hills. Cruises fairly nicely on interstate, comfortable speed 60-70..not much mph after that. Rear Rear seats,forget it could have been better utilized. Seems to run better with more mileage. Gas mileage could be a little better. AC comfortable with rear controls. Overall am happy with it, just wish it had a little more mph & more avail parts to upgrade.
Has anyone had service to set the engine up a little for faster acceleratation? Idea's or comments?
-mike
http://isuzu-suvs.com
Just got my third tank of gas.
This time I got 15 MPG, which was 90% stop and go
for a short distance commute.
I wasn't expecting to buy a real truck but this
was the only choice to haul 6 person(2 kids) with
a affordable price.
Everything is OK, except for the uncomfortable
seat and some clicking sound coming from the
steering wheel.
Anybody with a 4x4 notice any clicking sound
from the steering wheel?
It comes when I fully turn the steering wheel
moving below 20MPH.
Actually it sounds like some plastic parts getting
out of joint.
I don't like mini vans, but sometime I get a feeling that
a mini van is more suitable for my life style.
Anybody with a MPV want to trade? ^_^
Thanks.
1. If you go to change the angle of the drivers seat back and have a watch on you will scratch the hard plastic on the door. There is very little room between the door and the adjustment handle so adjust the seatback with the door open.
2. If you have a cell phone and plug it into the cigaret lighter the power goes off when you turn off the key, I actually like that one feature since it means I do not have to keep unplugging the cord.
3. The best power band seems to be around 55 to 60. The RPMs are about 2500 to 2600 and then when you get to 65 they jump to 3000. However, it does cruise very nicely at 70.
4. I thought it was a little down on power but now that I have had it and driven it for awhile it seems to be fine.
5. you may hear a rattle or two from the back when the rear seat is down but is just the seat.
I was able to get the 6 year, 100k warranty for 760 so I took it. I think you will like it. Either one is nice but I got the limited for hale the difference between the touring and limited so I took it. There is a $1,500 factory to dealer incentive now, or at least in Virginia there is.
I should take it in to the Service center for a check.
One thing to add,
don't take the dealer installed leather if you have to pay.
It's uncomfortable compared to the factory leather, not good for a long trip.
( The lumbar and hip support gets terrible. )
When I told the dealer I didn't like it, they gave it for free, but I still think the
factory fabric seat is better.
( When I tried to uninstall it myself, I found it almost impossible to do it,
no wonder they gave it for free. )
Our family is planning for a 500 mile round trip next week.
I will post the MPG and other things, hope it's not too late for making decisions.
BTW: I bet the tick you hear is the turn signal detent.
Check out Edmunds' recent road test of the Grand Vitara XL-7 linked in the Additional Resources box in the left navigation sidebar.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
-mike
1. When I put the second and third row seats down. Unlike the Explorer or other larger SUVs there is no material covering the gap between the second and third row which leads to my problem. I have dogs and keep the seats down so they can go for rides. But this leaves a gap between the seats. What I did was cut a 5/8 inch plywood board to fit the back with the seats down. I have covered it with a heavy cloth and put a few dog beds back there and with the rear AC they think they are in dog pardise--which they are.
2. The other is the radio dislay. It is dim and you havae to constantly hit the power button on the radio to get it brighter every time you start the car or turn on the lights. It defaults to the dimmerof the two settings everytime you turn it off.
I am averaging 21.3 a gallon so no complaints there.
As to the crash tst. I hope not to get hit and do this by paying attention to what is goin gon around me. Besies, it is a weekend toy, not a go to work.
-mike