Suzuki XL-7 - any good...?
Submitted: Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 20:02
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Mike
I currently have a 1995 LWB Pajero (3.0L v6). I am considering my options and wonder if anyone has a Suzuki XL-7. I haven't heard anything much about them, but looking at the stat's, the motor puts out more power than my Pajero, and it has roughly the same amount of ground clearance.
Obviously, I know I won't be competing with Cruisers and Patrols for off-road glory, but require a car to be competent off road for day and short trips. Would use it for beach driving,
Flinders Ranges etc, up to a little more adventurous trips in the future. Would not need to tow large weights, so it's towing ability is not too important.
I have read many positive posts about Sierras and Vitaras, especially those with a little bit of after-market work done, and wondered if the XL7 has the same abilities in its "stock" form, and also the same possibilities with after-market help.
Cheers,
Mike.
Reply By: AK - Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 21:29
Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 21:29
Mike
I can't comment on the XL7 as I own a V6 grand vitara. The only diff that I know between the XL7 and the GV is the XL7 is about 300mm longer +2 more seats and the motor is 2700cc v 2500cc all other runing gear etc should be the same. Some of the things I have noticed with the GV are poor ground clearance ( spring lift fixed that to some point)Poor selection of tyres available due to the odd size , most 4x4 tyres start around 30' and go up from memory 235/60/16 is around 27'.Not alot of room ( XL7 fixes that )
Enough of the negatives, our car is good for what we want it to do, great for
the beach and easy - medium off road tracks. It will not do what a patrol or cruiser can do but we keep surprising ourselves where it can go. The added benefit is our car is quick off the mark, easy to park and doen't use heaps of fuel
Hope this helps
AK
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Suzuki Viagra - Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 23:06
Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 23:06
I have a short wheelbase Vitara. For the sort of use you're talking about then the XL7 should be fine with minor modifications. I don't recommend too much four wheel drive use without at least minor modification, since that usually means at some point you have to follow a path where bigger 4wd's have been if the surface is anything but sand - and then you wioll start bottoming out and damaging things.
Rest assured that if you buy the Suzuki and throw a grand or so at it it will be up for the task - the money spend on minor modifcations can be considered as insurance against underbody damage.
With a few minor mods they are quite capable - probably on par with a stock Cruiser or Patrol with the benefits of lower purchase price and far cheaper running costs.
Even if you bought a Patrol or Cruiser you'd want to spend a similar money anyway in "customising" it - particularly on the all important lift...
Andrew
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