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Suzuki XL-7
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Comments
Frank
The dealer is supposed to adjust the tire pressure as part of their prep. Often it's overlooked, and you often see posts by people who complain that a car rides rough or bouncy on the test drive. I think that's often because they are testing a car with 45 pounds of pressure in the tires!
The Explorer notwithstanding, the recommended tire pressure is what's listed on the label stuck on your A pillar or glove box.
People "play" with the recommended pressure, but I don't recommend over-doing it. Also, you can't tell how a tire is wearing just by looking at it.
Lots more in the Tires, tires, tires discussion.
Steve, Host
Thanks, Rick
I have just changed my tire, finally at 22500 miles. I could not wait. I changed them with Toyo TPT at TireBarn in Indiana (they are the only one who sell that brand).
Boy, what a diff can tires make! I could not believe it, before i change the tire i could hear a loud repeating noise (above 50 mph). I thought it was the engine, but after i change the tire the noise was gone. I thought i have a diff car!
Toyo, at first i didn't know this brand. but i did a research and i found they are probably now the best tire in the world. They even have the toyo ultra 800 which has 100,000 mileage warranty! My tire shop recommend the Toyo TPT and i went back to home to do further research and found out it has a good customer feedback (better than michelin, bridgestone, others).
So, i bought them for US$ 478 (exclude tax) but include lifetime rotation, balance, road side assistance and all that jazz.
Now questions for everyone:
- In the XL7 manual it says to do an airconditioner filter replacement. Do you know where it is located?
- I felt my transmission shift if a bit rough now, especially when it shift from 1 to 2. I could hear a knocking sound (it's not always), you have to accelerate in a certain way. But it's getting consistent now. I have it checked to a dealer, they said that they could not hear anything. I even drove with them and when i drove with them the knocking sounds seems to be gone. Anyway, has any of you has this kind of problem before? WHat is your recommendation? Should i try to flush the transmission system?
BTW: just for your information the dealer didn't recommend to use a synthetic oil for the transmission system. For those who is wondering about it.
Thanks,
Danny
The tires sound good:)
Frank
Problem areas - Rack and pinion steering fluid leak. Had the rack replaced under warranty.
Abnormal wear on the tires. Had the tires replaced finally at 50K miles, they were worn down to the belts in some spots, and there was a bubble on one tire.
I replaced the tires with 235 / 65 Bridgestone Duellers instead of the stock size. If anyone wants to go bigger than 65, don't try it you'll get rubbing. The 65's barely fit, when you turn the wheel all the way to one side you can only fit a finger between the tire and wheel well. Haven't taken it off road with the bigger tires, but no rubbing on road.
Verdict - very reliable so far, the interior doesn't hold up very well to abuse, but everything still works.
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tidester, host
Frank
**Early on (15K miles) I drained both differentials and put in Mobil 1 synthetic as well.**
Frank
tidester, host
Frank
Frank
p.s : keep posting pics.
Frank
Stefan
Personally, I would have made the dealer pay for a new set of tires. If he refused, then quietly see to it that four tires on any vehicle met some bad end (courtesy of a sharp object) or you can rant and rave and get really angry right there in the service area and see if they will make amends that way.
Has anyone bought Suzuki's hitch and hitch wiring from the dealer? I want to install a hitch, but didn't know whether to purchase the OEM or an aftermarket. Also, is it necessary to purchase the hitch wiring? Thanks.
Also, the dealer I purchased by XL7 from has dropped Suzuki. I haven't been told a reason but I would imagine it is low sales volume, since this is a large, high volume Chrysler/Dodge dealer.
Jiminla, if you have Bridgestone tires on your XL7, watch your tires closely. If you see any unusual wear (mine was cupping on the inside) contact your dealer and Firestone immediately.
Leak in rear windshield wiper line causing drip in driver's passenger compartment.
-Fixed under warranty - likely cause was when I was in Utah in the winter the lines were frozen and I tried using the rear wiper. Connector was broken.
Transfer case leak.
-Fixed under warranty. I believe they had to drop the transmission to get to it. Glad I didn't have to pay for that labor.
Rear passenger door a-jar switch not working.
-Out of pocket $40. Turns out the wiring for this goes right by or under the jack. When I removed the jack to replace a blown out tire, I damaged the wiring. So be careful.
James
www.atp-inc.com
The fuel filter is a pep boys purchase
Frank
**Has anyone found a good source for parts on the XL-7? I'm at 33K and want to replace the AC and Fuel filter. But I'm having difficulty finding parts other than through the dealership**
Frank
Thanks
Frank
I'm in Northern NJ..Livingston area.. I would think that no dealer would let someone walkout with a reasonable offer. The dealer was Sansone on Rt 1. The guy just smiled and put his handout to shake mine as to say..we can't do business.. too funny...but am sure someone has to be dealing now! Let me have his number and i'll call them..
Thanks
Frank
Just yesterday, I bought a new '03 XL-7 Touring 4x4 for $21,500. The options included: 3rd row seat, automatic, ABS, alloy wheels, and floor mats. Edmunds shows the MSRP at $24,434 and invoice at $22,959. I told the dealer that I'd pay $500 over invoice and then subtract the $2000 mfg rebate off that amount (so basically $1500 under invoice). They said OK and now my wife is driving my new car
Torg
(SF Bay Area, CA)
My concern is that the resale value on the vehicle is not the best which makes me wonder if we should buy a pre-owned one. Example: In Phoenix, I have located an '03 with 12K (Touring model) 4X4 for $17K. New, the best I've been able to come up with is just over $20.5K. Suggestions and thoughts appreciated.
Still shopping!
Don
Does any one know about the best deals on automatic xl-7 4x4 7 seater, preferably in central jersey , but would not mind driving 2-3 hours for a best deal.
Is there an option to choose 0% finance deal or $2000 rebate.
Does anybody know about overall reliability since this is first suzuki product I am helping someone to buy.
Just helping one Novice car-buyer friend to get her great deal for her very hard earned money who was about to place order on MSRP because she was offered 0% for 60 months.
My email is public if someone wants to email me or would prefer to leave on this board so other buyers may benefit as well.
Thanks in advance
Hope this helps
Don
Frank
### purchased an 03 XL-7 this summer. I have engaged the 4x4 drive a few times to test it out, but generally only drove with it for a few minutes. I was expecting it to drive a little different, but was wondering about the increased noise as well. It is hard to explain, but the engine and the gearing are louder. Also, I understand that running it in four wheel drive on non slick surfaces will damage the unit, but don't know why this is. This is my first SUV and have enjoyed it very much, but am trying to learn how this Suzuki system works. Any input is appreciated
By the way did you research the reliability? and if yes , which site?
I am still convincing my friend to go for Highlander, Murano & Pilot respectively, since it will be for maximum for 3 adults.
I already realize that it is hard to find after-market parts because it is not as popular MAKE as Toyota or others.
I think it is not worth to pay Over Invoice , as some people have been getting some Toyota's below Invoice and at 0 or 2.9% financing.
You could also please email me .
Thanks again in advance.
THe reason for this is because in the suzuki setup, when you hit 4wd, ALL four wheels are locked turning at the same speed. YOu don't have a front or center differential that allows for wheel slip in a turn. To attempt to make a turn will cause driveline bind and trust me, things will break. Don't do it. There is no need whatsoever for 4 WD on hard dry surfaces. The noise comes from two sources, one you are turning two front axles (the xl7 is IFS setup and there are two halfshafts coming from the center pumpkin) and you are turing the gears and shafts in your t-case. That's a lot of metal turning and yes, you will hear some add'l noise.
We just bought an XL-7 Limited 4x4with 3rd row seat at the end of July and got a great deal. We did our homework online and found carsdirect price to be $23K fully loaded.
We visited suzuki in brooklyn they offered 400 over invoice minus the 2K off ($23.5K).
Later went to freehold (I think that's where it was...it was a long drive from NYC). Minimal negotiation and they offered invoice minus the 2K off I told them it was a deal but was a little concerned about having to drive back the next day for pickup. So I elected not to sign their contract, Ultimately my wife and I told them to call us once they had financing and let us know what the rate was.
We had been to hillside a few weeks before (just looking) so we decided to stop by Sansones. They only had 2 silver limited 4x4's on the lot and we initially told them we wanted to see the gold. They asked if they offered a "ridiculously low price" would we look at the silver. We obliged (we like the grey interior best anyway).
They offered us $600 off of freeholds deal. Yes $600 under invoice, + the 2K off. We jumped on it.
What's interesting is what happened next. Ask we were signing the paperwork, they added in destination charge of $500, VIN etching for $200, and registration of $99.
We just said we weren't paying it and proceeded to walk out. They , of course, caught us and wiped out all charges except for TT&L. So we paid ~$2600 under invoice (keep in mind you pay tax on the invoice price then the 2K is taken off).
All in all a great deal.
Keep in mind the negotiating didn't stop there. They called us back the next day with an interest rate of 9% (the other place had us at 6.5% ) so we told them forget it because we had a better deal. Ultimately, they dropped to 6.5% to match [our credit is NOT great so this was a good rate for us].
Interestingly the next day, the other place called us with a 4.9% rate, but by that time, we were already driving our new vehicle.
3 words of advice:
1. Do you homework --know exactly how much you are willing to pay and DONT PAY A PENNY MORE!!!
2. Buy at the end of the month, at that point they are just trying to move inventory
3. If you are financing, negotiate your interest rate. I don't quite understand how it works, but it seems they can finance anyone at about any rate, and the higher they get your rate, the more money they make!
Hope our story is helpful
Also...Has anyone tried to mod the engine at all? Nothing radical, maybe a free-flowing muffler (NOT the loud civic fart can style) and a K&N cone filter instead of the airbox? Maybe get it closer to 200hp and improve gas milage?
On the flip side, I just purchased the XL-7 Limited 2003 in the SF Bay area. I'm looking forward to taking somewhere to test out the 4wd.
Our baby is silver with a light grey leather.
I hope to get more info of this great vehicle!
GregC
I'm trying to decide between a '04 Honda CRV LX 4WD or a '04 Suzuki XL-7 4x4 Touring but am still unsure about which vehicle to purchase. My main concern is reliability. I dont know much about Suzuki. We've had four Hondas and have never had a problem. Would anyone be able to tell me if they have had any major problems with their Suzuki? The main reason I'm interested in these two particular vehicles is because of towing capability (being towed). For the most part, its for every day driving back and forth to work. Anyways, if anyone could tell me what kind of complaints, repairs, maintenance needed if any they've had...it was be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Leslie