Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Suzuki XL-7
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I feel your pain. Just did the same thing this Saturday on mine. Since I also take the opportunity to rotate the tires at the same time, I put mine up on jackstands on all 4 corners before I start. Perhaps you've already noted that having the drivers front wheel off during the change gives just a little more room to move around under there while playing contortionist. I might just take it to the dealer the next time and see if they are serious about charging 6$ if I supply the filter and oil. I'm with you though, this is the only flaw I've found so far (and I'm sure other competitors are no better).
On another note, I thought I'd give an update on my recent mileage. For the past two weeks, I've gotten 24.97 and 24.13 mpg! That puts it just a little lower than my old Sidekick, and not nearly the disappointment I was expecting by moving UP (size, class, power, etc.)!
I didn't see anyone mention the Consumer Reports review of the XL-7. Can you believe they rated the XL-7 with the likes of the CRV. First of all, the Grand Vitara is more in that class of vehicle, and I wish they'd get more than a bunch of BMW/Mercedes driving reviewers to do truck reviews. If it weren't for the fact that they seem to provide at least some value in reviewing other types of products, I'd just give up on them altogether. I understand that these types of reviews are almost entirely subjective, but you'd think they could avoid sounding so biased that you wonder if they took lessons from Olympic skating judges!
Speaking of oil filters I did an oil change on the Maxima over the weekend also (first one) and I looked and looked and looked and could not find that sucker. Then I got out from under it and there it was, on the top of the engine, in the rear of the engine compartment. What a joy. No burnt hands, not cuts trying to get around the tie rods, just reach in with the wrench and twist. Someone from Suzuki needs to talk with them.
Also for those that rotate their own tires, do you use or torque wrench or the white nuckles approach?
James
I use a (cheap) torque wrench. I just feel better about doing that, and giving myself piece of mind that the hubs were torqued evenly, minimizing the chance of warping. I also seem to recall someone telling me that it was possible to damage cast aluminum wheels by over-torquing them, but I don't know if that's just an old wives tale.
I rotate my tires every 5K, since I've noticed that the fronts feather slightly in that amount of time. My friend that also has a 2001, hasn't rotated in 15K, and his fronts are quite a mess.
Cheers,
Frankk
We both were very proud of our new truck!!!
Anyway, for those that have tried or owned both, how much more leg room in the 2nd row is there now as opposed to the GV. I doubt we will ever use the 3rd row of seats and would keep them folded down for storage.
Also, any ideas why they stopped using the CD changer that the GV has? Going back to a single CD will be a slight step back, in my opinion.
One last question. Do any of you see an advantage for me trading the GV in before it hits 30,000 mi as opposed to waiting a little while and putting a grand or two more on it?
Thanks
Cheers,
Frankk
Frankno1: Synthetic oil is what I have run since I bought mine. I just turned 10k last week so I did my oil change. I use Mobil 1, 5-30. I have used synthetic in all my cars and it works just fine. Also, since the oil change in the Suzuki is such a pain I am able to go 5k between changes. Some people try to tell me 10k is fine but I have always done a new filter and oil every 5k and have never had an oil related problem. I do not know about increased MPG since I have only run synthetic but from what I have read there is a slight increase in MPG due to the better lubrication properties of synthetic. While I have been tempted to change I have always stayed with Mobil 1.
-mike
5Greyhounds - It must have really ticked you off to get the Fram filter on the XL-7, only to have to take it off and replace it with the Suzuki filter. Nothing like getting under the truck a couple of extra times.
Paisan - I used to use Fram filters, but it always concerned me that they were smaller then the original equipment filters, while in general, the Purolator and Mobil filters were sized correctly. Then a few years ago, I had put a new Fram oil filter on My Mazda MPV and discovered it had a pin hole in the case. I've stayed away from Fram ever since.
tmdaman1- we live in Va Beach and frequent Winesett too. Although usually in my Tacoma, would hate to get the back end of the XL-7 all dirty with plants. We are seeing more and more XL-7's around here, but still rare enough to notice one when we see it.
Summer beach weather is coming up, time to go down to Hatteras!
I can't wait to drive to the mountains....
Have fun in Hatteras!!
#1 a manual transmission.. likes/dislikes feedback. (Does anyone drive one) It seems to be a hard vehicle to get + strange configurations/packages in Canada if you want a MT.
.. to get a manual, he had to order the base model (no fogs, no 3rd row seat)
#2 Has anyone added fogs to a non equiped XL-7.. would some piaa's fit ? (something like the 520's)
#3 no 3rd seat, so it seems tha cargo floor is lower than the seatbacks when folded flat. Anyone make a shelving/storage unit for the rear ? It would help creating a flat floor, and create storage at the same time
#4 any aftermarket guards available for the front... just for lights. something like the Westin Safari bar??
Thanks for whatever answers you can provide. If my bud ever gets connected, I'll point him here, I always found the info at Edmund's useful.. even when I bought my Xterra.
I am very interested in having an alarm installed in my XL-7. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks,
T
Thanks,
T
-mike
-mike
Although most people ignore them, they make your neighbours look and key yourself in. Most of the people I know (including myself) had their vehicle stolen from their own driveway. Plus most insurance will cut your rate, so it almost pays for itself in 2-3 years.
Viper alarms will also work "with" most stock vehicle alarms... i.e. most stock alarms work only on entry (open door), Viper will allow you to piggy back features like ign. kill/ shock etc.
*** no.. I don't work for Viper.. hope you guys don't mind me butting in.
You should verify with your insurance first, not all insurance co. give discounts for all brands of alarms.
I've actually heard through my dad who is a prof part time @ a prison that the more well known brands are more-easily bypassed due to the theif having seen it before. No-name and "cut-switches" are the best according to a guy who was in for grand-theft auto.
Of course if they really want it he said they come with a flatbed and then your car is bye-bye...
-mike
Syndicated auto guys "Click and Clack" had a good article on the
worthlessness of alarms. They basically said that we all hear so
many alarms now that no one pays any attention to them. Even if you
do, are you going to confront a possibly armed criminal for the sake
of some metal and plastic?
They suggested that was what insurance is for, that alarms only serve
to annoy your neighbors at 5 in the morning when the paper boy hits it
with the newspaper.
I would think due to small sales of the XL-7, it's about the last car
a serious thief would steal (that's why Civics and Accords are the
most stolen.)
My 2cents
I'm thinking about getting an XL-7 and find this board very informative. The only exterior feature that is holding me back thus far is its relatively low ground clearance of 7.5 in, which is at least 1-2 in lower than other mid-sized SUV's, eg., 4Runner (9.7 in). It certainly makes the ride smoother but could be a limitation off road. A friend also points out that a higher clearance should make the vehicle look more like a true truck rather than a van. Does any one know if they can install a "spacer" or perhaps 17-in wheels to lift it up a bit?
In the same line of thought, does anyone know when the 2003 models will come out? And what changes (likely minor) will they introduce, like optional 17-in wheel, a couple of more colors, or probably a running board (on Limited)that does NOT further lower the ground clearance?
I'll be willing to wait for any/all of the above features. However, if none of them is coming out, I may still go ahead and buy one---albeit much sooner. Thanks for helping me out.
Jerry
Cheers,
Frankk
POSTINGS.
Also to all owners! Don't think of the worst when experiencing anything unusual about your vehicle; thats unless it is obvious.
Example: After using my 4 low gear in a very small snow here in Va. I experienced a road noise that was absolutely unbearable. The ride was rough,the steering was bad. I felt that I definately had made a bad selection.
Sometimes we hear sounds that are not related to our problems. In above example, I felt the worst riding vehicle ever. I heard the worst road noise ever. I felt the steering vibrate. I even noticed my vehicle not tracking correct.
However: It was a very small problem...tire wear, front inside.
Needless-to-say: I don't have a Suzuki beltbuckle or Tatto but I absolutely love my little truck.
I drive a 2001 Touring with 11'500 miles.Approximately two weeks ago I noticed that I needed a front end alinement because the truck was pulling to the left. I also had vibration in the steering wheel but I thought it was because of the alinement.After the alinement was completed I noticed that the steering wheel would vibrate at 55-65.I have an appt. to see the dealer next week. I will keep you updated.
Linda