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SUVs Suzuki Grand Vitara/Vitara Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 through 2008
1006 messages, Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 9:29 PM
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Replying to: xostnot (Oct 01, 2008 10:11 pm)  I read times to times about tires wear problem, but not often and I'm also a member of a french forum for the NGV where most of them are from France and Belgium, some from Canada. Very very few a them did get this problem, all of them fixed by an aligment. Mine didn't have it, and I can say that I'm pleased, with all my previous cars and 4x4s, I always had winter tires from December to mid April, and a regular set for the rest of the year, I was used to go through a set of winter tires after 4 winters and similarly the regular set was lasting 4 years. It will be my 4th winter with the GV and if the winter set wears as the previous winters I think that I will be able to go through even a 5th winter with them. Regarding the EOM Yokos I will be able to use them for a forth year but I don't think they will do a 5th one. My first Suk, a 89 Sidekick had that squeaking breaks problem, but not my NGV. Funny, I like that rat fur carpet, it's my first car having that, and I find that it is a lot easier to clean ( remove sand with vacuum, remove dog's hair and cleaning the salt deposits after winter time). Here on the east side in Quebec, Suzuki is a fairly popular brand, there is a lot of dealers, there is 15 in an area of 60 km around me ( so it's easy to find good mechanics and good service) but I have nothing to report yet, outside the regular maintenance, it went in for the recall about the auto transmission interlock, took them about 5 minutes to fix. And their resale value here is just as the average of the other brands, not better nor worst. But anyway, if it still holds its own like it did up to now I won't trade it and keep it for a long time, or give it to one of my daughter that will start driving in 4 years.
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Replying to: xostnot (Oct 01, 2008 10:11 pm) Despite their dismal reliability record of a few years back, take a look at VW today, particularly at their city Golf and Jetta models. What?, they are two generations back, but offer all that basic [but updated] Germanic goodness, kind of harking back to "old" Beetle" days when they famously and SO SUCCESSFULLY remained unchanged, for how long? Suzuki may well have reached a point now with these '09's where they can afford to do the same, (pending future reliability data). Actually, I don't think any mfgr today can afford NOT to look back at what they once did best, and try to re emulate those past successes by including a similar econo oriented model in their lineup. Honoring ones ROOTS is never a bad idea. On wants and needs. Obviously I've never meant to appear to be denegrating anyone's decision to buy a high end auto GV with a low range. Hey, that 4cyl low range auto with the in dash six disc player, and, (well, the list is endless...), would be peachy keen if you can get by the, what?, at least a four or five grand additional tarrif to load the boat to get that O/R capable one. But... But seems [most of us] will be looking for every way possible to save as much long green as we can, every time we open our wallets sometime after the end of this week? In that vein, to me the very latest new "technology", (in the automotive field), ought to also include a healthy dose of paying of homage to that old largely forgotten principal of KISS, (keep it simple, stupid). SIMPLY the best [other] thing Suzuki could do now would be to reintro a 4cyl Vitara "Classic?", equipped like they ALL once were over here. Their BASIC "bread and butter model" for tomorrow's demanding econo wise recreationalist(s)?" Well guess what, that's exactly the well defined niche they once filled, and it was what Suzuki did best... OK they are a good value now, (even loaded to the gunnels), but a de-contented one sans a good amount of the fluff, would be the best value amongst 'em, if one was available here, that is.... |
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Replying to: xostnot (Oct 01, 2008 10:11 pm) I agree, xostnot. Although you would think a compact suv would retain a little more value especially with todays fuel prices. Good thing i don't own a Hummer.  I looked up the GV on kbb.com and the retail for ours comes in at $15,065. I don't believe anyone pays retail anymore. I look at the private party value and that comes in at $12,175. We got a trade in price of $11,500 and with tax savings, that totals $12,402. I felt that to be very fair since the dealer also gave us $8550 off msrp for the MDX and free delivery 6 hours away.  The dealer in Las Vegas was wondering why I was so mad when their deal came in over $13,000 more than the deal we got in San Diego. LOL, rat fur! I was wondering who was spinning that cage under the hood. |
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Replying to: bm000092 (Oct 02, 2008 8:29 am) You are WAY fortunate there. 267 listings for used ones now on AutoTrader's site, vs. 116 or so here. ALL models are well represented, from pristine "inflatable toys", (the old Vitara which would be just fine chiefly for O/R use), to even low mileage '08 GV's with low range, at the same price being asked now for new JA's, (sans low range), on clear out... Here, (note), virtually none on our BC site, are manual 5 speeds. What, they never made any, or all have been recycled? No, they are being kept forever, as up until now for '09 Suzuki gave us, (some of us anyway), no overwhelmingly compelling reason to replace, in particular, our earlier four cylinder models. Applying a little deductive reasoning there, that indicates there is considerable pent up demand for this new four, but in what variety of model configuration(s)...? On minimalism, re: jettisoning fluff, of course I'm not referring to ALL the excellent new safety features. Rather it's the each and every other sort of non essential item on the manifest of these current "cargo ships of std. equipment accessory excess". The Chinese are coming, the Chinese are coming! You better believe they will be doing minimalism [yes, to excess] when say a Sidekick clone arrives on our shores here at some point, and at a price point which no Suzuki could [then] touch. But to look forward proactively towards "fending them off", again it's impossible to see how ANY mfgr. could be doing either themselves or their client base a disservice by offering de contented econ models in their lineup. "Ones" which still possess all the core essentials which define [historically] their own unique niche(s) in the marketplace. For a Suzuki SUV, don't think I need to repeat here again what those core virtues [once] were. Sure, still keep the luxo boat derivatives for those so inclined, but again, ASAP, build one honoring your roots too, perhaps like one config'ed as some of us have suggested here. ps My JA tester had a pronounced burning smell at the rear when we parked it. Didn't but maybe should have mentioned this to the dealer. No such problem with the new four cylinder. The brake shoe issue? No way to say. |
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STILL nothing on 'em on the US or Canadian Suzuki sites yet, but just saw a print ad in a Cdn. auto mag I subscribe to. Full page, uses an image also appearing in the online brochure(s) posted for some time now in Aus. and N.Z. Maybe the online promo delay [here] is for inclusion of North American specific ad content. Navigate to the Global Suzuki site and click on the GV. State of the art promo effort(s), including "the movie". (No, it's not the Indy Jones adventure treatment). We even get to see a picture of the chief Engineer for these new ones. Nice touch, Suzuki. Cick on the Development box in the GV "special site", and feel the justifiable pride "the family" can have on the occasion of the birth of these new arrivals. Looks like the last of the rear drum brakes go into the three door which is available elsewhere. Further, (as an aside), the "super car", (Kizashi), will also now evidently offer a 2.4 4 cyl, as well. Seems not surprisingly it will be more mainstream than the concept show car models might have indicated. Recall at first it was to have a 3.8L six. But it's smart to get " a lot of mileage" out of the new 2.4L. It's a fine engine! No new '09 GV owners out there yet...? . |
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I have an 07 4wd 5spd.Now all of a sudden I am getting a slight creak or huge or squeak from the front end.It is even more so when I stop and the front dives a bit or when one tire is unlevel and the other not level.I thought I read something about this but can not find it, any help would be appreciate thanks and keep up the great posts they have helpful and informative.
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From a few posts ago: "I'm about to do another round with the dealer: peeling clearcoat on one rim, transmission interlock recall, and I'll add the squeaking brakes matter. I'll hold off on another round for the remote keyfob reprogramming, and also not bother banging my head against their brick wall regarding the baggy leather in the front seats." Had the transmission interlock recall done with no problems. The dealer's diagnosis of the squealing brakes was that the rotors and drums are out of round and need turning. When I asked him how this could cause the squealing, he offered no explanation. Likely because it's nonsense. On the way home from the dealership, the brakes were squealing. In addition, I have not detected any pulsing or lurching from the brakes. I suppose theoretically they could never be perfect, but I note their perfectionistic approach to the brakes (fixable at my expense) to their tolerance for warped mirrors, baggy seat leather etc. (fixable under warranty). As for the corroding rim, the service manager said he'd check with Suzuki Canada and call me back. While I was at the dealership, I looked under a 2008 V6, and did not see any additional heat shielding under the driver's footwell. They have an '09 4-cyl on the lot. When the '06 came out, it was a month or two until the web site updated from the '05's. Three days later and no call from the dealership regarding the corroding rim. I called them and left a message to be called back. No call. So this GV is my first new car. I had the silly impression that a warranty would be honoured. Is it typical for buyers of Suzukis and other makes that you so commonly get a runaround and have your intelligence insulted, when you try to have manufacturing defects rectified? Is this a problem with Suzuki in particular to the extent that I should choose never to buy another vehicle from them, or do all the makers do this?
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Replying to: jdaley (Oct 11, 2008 5:39 am) |
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Replying to: xostnot (Oct 11, 2008 9:35 am) The new product coming into Suzuki dealerships now and over the next couple of years, should come with concurrent major steps forward in what happens in the dealership's service bays. ONLY then can one be reasonably assured to find one of those "proactive mechanics" all ready in place, who is able to discern and rectify problems EARLY within the warranty period. I've usually always insist the top Suzuki wrench at my dealership, works on one of mine. On problems, of course you've got to have an excellent relationship with a first rate dealership so they can effectively help out to go to bat for you too. My apologies for perhaps stating the obvious here. Prob is for too many Zuke owners, those factors may not be in place. THAT HAS TO CHANGE, and I'm positive Suzuki knows this! On the rotors, had an excellent heart to heart with a Suzuki service guy some time back who indicated MOST mfgrs use lesser quality metal to make them today. For instance we live at the top of a long hill, and it's not un common for Sube owners (who ride their brakes) to have warped rotor problems, [he said]. As "compensation?" Suzuki has offered two for one rotor deals for the last few years now it seems, with their bi annual service coupon special(s). So it's almost more like they are now considered consumables, (throw away items), vs. paying to have them turned? Note I did have my rotors on the little Zuke wagon replaced under warranty here, just before it expired. Torquing the wheels. Seems you can't fully depend on everyone, (your tire shop, or..) to get 'em done right. I always check post any service involving removal and replacement of the tires, with my own torque wrench once back home. Over tightening them can lead to warped rotors too. We've all been justifiably putting some pressure on Suzuki here for some time. This service/warranty service matter is another one deserving more of the same. How prevalent are these misses with other mfgrs today?, I don't know... Nwdsmn.
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In the drive for lighter weight, rotors (and probably drums) are now so thin that they can only be turned once. In the "old days", the parts could be machined several times. This also means the parts are thinner now, and so would overheat and warp more easily. I'm wondering if Suzuki tracks whether buyers paid full MSRP, and/or whether they do all their servicing at the dealership. This could pop up when the service manager enters our VIN in their computer system, and could translate into how responsive they are to warranty requests. It's easier to understand that, than assume either they randomly treat some customers with indifferenece, or frustrate all their customers. Unless all brands do this, it will cost them eventually. Like the not-so-Big 3.
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