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XL7's, how do you like them?

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Offline AJMBLAZER

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XL7's, how do you like them?
« on: December 15, 2006, 05:33:00 PM »
The wife was just in an accident and the GV kept her from getting more than a bump on the head...but unfortunately it's dead.  If they even try to fix it I'll refuse, it's mushed.

Sooo...we've been realizing lately we need a bit more space but loved the GV so much that we keep thinking a XL7 would be perfect.  Now seems to be the time to upgrade.

What do you guys think of your XL7's?  Anyone "upsized" to one from a 99+ GV/Vitara/Tracker?
How's gas mileage?  We got 18-19 with the GV on 29" muds so I figure the XL7 can't be much worse.

Opinions, thoughts, comments? 8)
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sapien

Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2006, 06:10:42 PM »
I think mine's great!  I bought it nearly a year ago for just $8K with 44K miles on it (upgraded from a '94 Tracker), I don't think there's a lot of demand for them.  it's a great all-purpose vehicle... you'll certainly appreciate the extra space, lots of room back there for groceries, camping gear, etc. without having to fold the middle seats down.  the 3rd seat if you have one is only good for children and awkward to get into.  with 29" AT's I'm also getting about 19 mpg corrected on winter blend gas; that's mostly around town and commuter miles.  the ride is very comfortable on the larger tires (dunno what Suzuki was thinking with the stockies).  still easy to park.  the 2.7L could use a little more oomph and seems to burn a little oil on synthetic, but no big deal.  took it up in the mountains a few weeks ago and it did ok on the steeper grades, there was only one spot were it struggled briefly.  obviously if you buy one try to find one with the updated timing chain tensioner (mine did not have the replacement done, but it does not make noise as long as the oil is at the correct level).

and glad to hear your wife is OK!
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Offline AJMBLAZER

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2006, 06:20:55 PM »
Wasn't there a recall on the timing chain tensioner?

Does yours have the lever actuated transfer case or the push buttons?  We're aiming for a '03+ for the longer warranty and slight update but we'll see.  I'm kinda wary of the push button t-case that a lot of them got.

Now that I think about it didn't the XL7 get a different auto trans at some point?
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sapien

Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2006, 06:56:00 PM »
not a recall, it was a TSB that could be done for free within the warranty period if it applied to your vehicle.  In my case, the timing chain sounds normal/quiet unless the oil is below the 2nd dot, and even then it isn't overly noisy.  I heard a GV go by in a parking lot the other day and it had an obvious, loud rattle.

mine has the TC lever... I wasn't aware they made them with push buttons!  maybe only the Limited model?

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Offline AJMBLAZER

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2006, 06:59:38 PM »
Seems like only the '03+ got the push button.  EVERY one I've looked at so far has it.
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sapien

Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2006, 07:03:58 PM »
you could get a late '02, didn't they start the extended warranty sometime in that model year
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Offline AJMBLAZER

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2006, 07:06:54 PM »
I'm not certain, checking into that.

Seems like there's a BIG drop in price between the pre"long warranty" rigs and the later ones with the warranty.

EDIT: Looks like it started on all vehicles sold after August 1st, '02.  So all '03's and SOME '02's.
http://www.suzukiauto.com/owners/warranty.php
« Last Edit: December 15, 2006, 07:09:23 PM by AJMBLAZER »
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Offline AJMBLAZER

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #7 on: December 16, 2006, 07:25:57 AM »
Anyone know if the XL7 had the same front diff issues as the 99-01ish Grand Vitaras/Vitaras/Trackers?  If so when did they fix it?
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Offline blacknight

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #8 on: December 16, 2006, 07:21:21 PM »
Quote from: sapien on December 15, 2006, 07:03:58 PM
you could get a late '02, didn't they start the extended warranty sometime in that model year

The 7yr/100k warranty started in Aug of 2002.  Which is when I bought my.   ;D

George
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Offline blacknight

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #9 on: December 16, 2006, 07:23:42 PM »
Quote from: AJMBLAZER on December 16, 2006, 07:25:57 AM
Anyone know if the XL7 had the same front diff issues as the 99-01ish Grand Vitaras/Vitaras/Trackers?  If so when did they fix it?


If by issues you mean the pass. side seal then no not till 04 when they changed the diff.  They did fix the oil level issue in 02.

George
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Offline AJMBLAZER

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #10 on: December 16, 2006, 07:28:10 PM »
What did they change in '04?

I was aware of the oil level issue and that they were having issues with the earlier years in the series...something to do with one side of the diff not having enough support for the axle or something like that.  All I know is my '03 GV seemed to not have the issue.
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Offline trackinstile

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #11 on: December 20, 2006, 02:00:22 PM »
We're doing reallywell with our '01.  It just has 44,000 miles on it and no noise, change the oil every 3000 and use a good filter.  My '00 2.0 Tracker has it slightly on start up sometimes, but not every time, not too worried about it right now.  My 10 year old has no problem getting into the 3rd row.  Hope you find a nice one.  BTW about the auto trans, I think '05 they started putting in 5 speed autos to replace the 4 speed with converter lock up.  Dave
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A wise man once said, "Wherever you go...........There you are.............." 2000 Tracker 4 door with the 2.0 liter "Big Block". 5 speed 4WD  2001 XL-7 EX II
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Offline AJMBLAZER

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #12 on: December 20, 2006, 06:39:33 PM »
Thanks.  We're keeping our eyes open.  We just found out they're pretty sure the GV is getting totalled and the wife is just bitchin' about driving the Tracker.  Power options spoil women... ::)

I'm thinking a'02 plus for the 2.7L and the product improved front axle.  Maybe an '03 or newer but there seems to be a big price increase as the longer warranty kicked in.  Dunno if it's worth a few grand to us...

Amazingly though we keep finding them with low miles.  Know where there's a '02 Limited with 36k on it.  Sounds good to me.
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Offline xoffroad

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Re: XL7's, how do you like them?
« Reply #13 on: January 08, 2007, 08:08:27 AM »
I dig my 04 EX. Bought new. Mostly because I drive about 30k miles a year. So far the only problem I've had is the damn radio (6 disc model). It sucks when it's cold out. So both me and the truck hate the cold. Perfect personality match?

Aside from that it's a perfect truck. Although a little tight inside when you've got a winter coat on. I'm getting about 20mpg average 50/50 city/hwy driving. 22-25mpg in all hwy with 225/70-16 tires (29"). Running Mobile 1 synthetic in everything except the tranny.

FYI: EX is the Limited in 04. 04 started the funky front end. It grows on ya, but it's lower to the ground up front that the original facia and sticks out 2" farther forward.
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