Suzuki Grand Vitara (XL7) Buyers Guide - 2016

[PHeller]

I'm eyeing the 1998-2006 Grand Vitara XL7 for its combination of 4x4 low range, length for 6' guy to sleep in the back, and still mid 20s highway mpg. However, the pullout of Suzuki from the American market has also changed the parts support for Suzukis, and it's my understanding the v6 in the Grand Vitara was unique to Suzuki. So, what am I looking in a Grand Vitara XL7 and what should I expect in terms of obtaining parts for lift, engine mods, wheels, etc? Which years are the best looking or most capable?

 

[Thirty-Nine]

1998-2006 XL-7s were essentially longer Suzuki grand Vitaras, so most Grand Vitara parts will fit XL-7. With nine years of production, there should be plenty of parts available. I just checked napaonline.com and all normal service parts are easily available.

As far as modifications, check Rocky-Road.com. They offer all kinds of products. Calmini.com also offers products, as do a host of other manufacturers/retailers.

 

[PPCLI_Jim]

http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/board,15.0.html

all things Zuki here im diesel weasel on the forum

 

[PHeller]

Will the XL7 actually get mid 20's on the highway or am I dreaming?

 

[PPCLI_Jim]

not sure myself my Samurai has the aerodynamic properties of a brick

 

[Dake21]

My friends 2004 2.5 manual GV makes 23 MPG average.

As for parts Suzuki is liable to supply them until 2023. Dont miss oil change and it will last a long time, they are reliable.

Calmini offer a 3'' lift and this is what a lot of guys seem to go for.

 

[424sf]

I've owned both, XL7 and GV...Great little trucks, and bullet proof if you keep up with maintenance. As recommended, change oil regularly (5W 30 only). AC compressors are the weak spot on these cars...

 

[Hondaslayer]

My friends 2004 2.5 manual GV makes 23 MPG average.

As for parts Suzuki is liable to supply them until 2023. Dont miss oil change and it will last a long time, they are reliable.

Calmini offer a 3'' lift and this is what a lot of guys seem to go for.

Not sure how it is in Canada, but stateside they have to supply parts through the end of the warranty period. Technically until 2023 for the SX4 and the Kizashi, but parts may dry up sooner for other models. It all depends on demand. So far ASMC has been good about sourcing slow moving parts out of Japan, it just takes 6-8 weeks. My feeling is that as long as it's profitable they will continue to do business, just don't expect to be able to get a tan interior B pillar cover

 

[Hello]

Not sure how it is in Canada, but stateside they have to supply parts through the end of the warranty period. Technically until 2023 for the SX4 and the Kizashi, but parts may dry up sooner for other models. It all depends on demand. So far ASMC has been good about sourcing slow moving parts out of Japan, it just takes 6-8 weeks. My feeling is that as long as it's profitable they will continue to do business, just don't expect to be able to get a tan interior B pillar cover

I'm in Canada with an '04 Tracker, and a few months ago my local no-longer-a-Suzuki-dealer ordered in some seals and whatnot for me. I had them in my hands within a couple days.

 

[PHeller]

I think the thing that worries me the most is that lack of community for the Grand Vitara and XL7. People love and know the Samurai and Tracker, but nobody seems to own an XL7. Yea sure it's the same vehicle, but when you're wanting to know stuff about it prior to purchase and nobody seems to know what kinda MPG they can get, that worries me a bit. Sorry, but a normal Tracker or Grand Vitara is not a good sample of what kind of fuel efficiency a longer and heavier vehicle will get.

 

[pittsburgh]

not sure myself my Samurai has the aerodynamic properties of a brick

My Samurai stock got 28-30 MPG's, lifted and geared on 33's around 25, after I geared the T-case it dropped to 22 LOL it was sweet but real slow.

 

[Hello]

I think the thing that worries me the most is that lack of community for the Grand Vitara and XL7. People love and know the Samurai and Tracker, but nobody seems to own an XL7. Yea sure it's the same vehicle, but when you're wanting to know stuff about it prior to purchase and nobody seems to know what kinda MPG they can get, that worries me a bit. Sorry, but a normal Tracker or Grand Vitara is not a good sample of what kind of fuel efficiency a longer and heavier vehicle will get.

You might have better luck on the Zuwharrie, Suzuki-forums, or zukiworld forums. I know I've come across a decent amount of XL7 discussion in those forums while searching for my own GV/Tracker info.

 

[Dake21]

On Suzuki-Forum guys really know their stuff. You also have a very detailed sticky on what to look for when buying a GV and other technical info.

 

[Hondaslayer]

I'm in Canada with an '04 Tracker, and a few months ago my local no-longer-a-Suzuki-dealer ordered in some seals and whatnot for me. I had them in my hands within a couple days.

Right,

Normal parts are usually a few days out of the facing PDC's. I was referring to stuff not stocked stateside, Suzuki is still happy to pull it out of Japan which takes 6-8 weeks. Initially there was some trepidation when they went under, but they have been surprisingly helpful.

 

[DasUberSquid]

I've got one, a 2006, so I feel like I can chip in! I've got a cheapo 2 inch spacer lift on mine- just to get the height. She's my DD so I don't need much. Off road, I was and am able to get over most stuff, albeit with some care, with that lift and 29 inch tires. They DO rub a little at full lock. A mix of highway and city driving nets me about 19ish MPG if I'm light on the gas pedal, which I'm not, to be fair. All that's been done to mine so far is the lift and tires, I swapped the suspension components with the same OEM stuff because they were pretty squishy at this point. Hadn't been changed in the 140k it's been alive. The middle row, right seat, has a large enough space when the seat position adjuster is removed to fit a decent sized aux battery. I pulled the wimpy little tool box and third row out and replaced them with a 3/4 plywood tool box, that also brings the level up so that sleeping is more comfortable. Going to put in the aux battery with an isolator as well as add a roof rack and some lights in the coming weeks. I honestly love my Suzie, and even for being the biggest of the family, it's still pretty small and nimble. Word of warning though: I believe that the 2005 and 2006 XL7s have different bumpers, not just in appearance but bolts. I'm fairly happy with the stock stuff though, and i can probably fit a winch inside the stock bumper, but the aftermarket of bumpers for 05 and 06 is nearly nonexistent. There's one company in Aus that makes alloy bar for the front, but I'm not a fan.