Grand Vitara XL-7 vs Feroza... thoughts after 2 weeks.

[murcod]

It's been about four weeks since the Feroza departed and two since I picked up the XL-7.

Of course it was going to be a "different" proposition to drive, however some things have surprised me. For a start my Feroza would easily outhandle the XL-7 through roundabouts and corners on the bitumen. Not what I was expecting.... The XL-7 is a chronic understeerer at what I'd only consider "moderate" speeds (tyre squeal rules ). I'm going to put that down partially to the crappy standard Bridgestone 687 HT tyres. It also requires an extra 1/2 to 3/4 turn of the steering wheel compared to the Feroza to get around corners- which initially makes it feel a bit cumbersome.

The XL-7 is sadly lacking in the underbody protection area, which surprised me. There's only a feeble plastic undertray to "protect" the sump and front diff. Feroza's aren't so "soft" afterall.

Ride comfort the XL-7 has an easy win. Same with straightline speed - I'm actually surprised at how well it goes if you floor it and the five speed auto is an excellent trans. Of course that speed comes at a price and my first tank revealed 13.8 litres / 100km and that was over 90% sedate driving. That's around 3 litres / 100km more than the Feroza.

Maintenance for the XL-7 is dead easy- no timing belt, no valve clearances to adjust, no grease nipples to do, no adjustment on the wheel bearings etc etc. Reading through the servicing schedule it should be really cheap to maintain. Genuine parts aren't too bad with an air filter costing $56; I think I paid not much less for a Ryco filter for the Feroza?

[MightyMouse]

For a start my Feroza would easily outhandle the XL-7 through roundabouts

Your using the wrong technique - its much faster to go across the roundabout but a bit noisier. Also makes a significant impression on passing motorists.

As for the rest - don't listen to the bad man kiddies, he's been overcome by Suzuki exhaust fumes.

[murcod]

That roundabout technique doesn't work too well for right hand turns!

BTW I think my thoughts show how good a vehicle the Feroza is- I'm comparing a 2004 model XL-7 to a 1992 Feroza! The maintenance side of things is a blessing- although my near new McNaught grease gun which I've only used once is now useless to me.

If anyone is doing an engine conversion for their Feroza and can get a Suzuki 2.7l V6 cheap then I'd say do it! With the lighter body it would really fly.

[RockyF75]

The XL-7 is sadly lacking in the underbody protection area, which surprised me. There's only a feeble plastic undertray to "protect" the sump and front diff. Feroza's aren't so "soft" afterall.

Pff. Rocky's have NO sump guard. Thats how tuff they are. Dont need em

As for the rest, how is it timed Gear or chain?

[murcod]

You sure you're not just missing the guard under your Rocky?

My Feroza had a reasonably decent steel guard that went right from the front bar to the back of the sump.

The XL-7 timing is done by a chain.

[RockyF75]

When I bought it there were some thin steel thingy's around the engine bay, but above the sump. Splash guards. Other than that, nada.

[MightyMouse]

if its the same or derived from the V6 in the Vitara - they have a history of chain problems ( tensioner failures IIRC ) leading to other nasties. Also oil pump and rear main seal problems. Llike all cars they have their own unique series of issues.

As for the right hand roundabout turns - mere technical detail

[murcod]

Yes, the earlier models (pre 2002?) are well known for the number 1 tensioner issue. Mine's whisper quiet as you'd expect for a log book serviced engine with under 50000km covered. The type of oil (low viscosity) and regular changes also play a part from what a Suzuki Mech told me.

Like any car they can have their common problems. IMHO regular maintenance goes a long way to preventing a lot of them. For any brand the problem vehicles are usually poorly maintained examples.

[Buggerific]

I don't have any protection underneath either... Well not sump and diff.

I've got one under the transmission

[MightyMouse]

Being post 2002 doest that mean you can't get transfer gears / lockers for it ?

[murcod]

Being post 2002 doest that mean you can't get transfer gears / lockers for it ?

The XL-7? - yes probably right. The diff ratio in the XL-7 is lower than a normal V6 Vitara and I've read the ARB lockers although listed aren't an easy fit to even the normal Vits.

Given it's an auto the gear situation isn't so critical for what I'd be using it for.

I can however get an off the shelf snorkel and a guy in QLD sells bash plates but the logisitics in getting them here is a bit daunting. (Length and weight.)

I'll be looking at the suspension first and decent tyres once these ones wear out.