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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
You are in the Suzuki Grand Vitara/Vitara Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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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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Replying to: xostnot (Oct 11, 2008 7:01 pm) One thing they do track [of course] is if all service intervals have been faithfully performed. No surprise there during the warranty period, but even post, that data can help one appeal for assistance if there is some sort of extraordinary part failure outside the warranty period. Much to Suzuki's credit, got them to step up to help in such a situation re: one of our Zukes. However, as a freshman to the process during my early years of Sidekick ownership, they stuck me for a BIG one near warranty expiration time, which in hindsight I should have taken to arbitration, (and likely would have WON). But I was so disgusted at the time, that... Tongue in cheek I've sometimes proposed a Halloween horror story feature here, and I've got a few that would drain the blood from Count Dracula.... But no doubt you could dredge up some fright night specials even for Honda's, depending upon dealership deficiencies. The J.D. Power, Consumer Reports data, etc. should be taken into consideration by all of us before we buy new NOW, as with escalating costs of vehicle ownership, we MUST demand increasing reliability as part of "the deal". That's why in our week to week "what are we going to do here, and when?", back and forth about our next SUV, we have yet to rule out the base '09 Forester vs. the new base 4cyl GV, since neither offers a low range, (if we figure we can make that sacrifice). What Suzuki needs to do asap, is, (when they feel they are ABLE TO that is), is to come forward to proclaim any advances which they have actually made or are now making in GV reliability. Even for the '08's. Any such "hard data" based facts would help [you/me/all of us] to be better able to decide what to do next. If they've "got it" and if it's favorable, that could further help to move more of those '08's off the lots? Reliability is really quite good for the two old(er) Zukes we have here now, post their initial "teething" periods. |
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Replying to: xostnot (Oct 11, 2008 9:35 am) I highly doubt any warped rotor or drum would cause the squeal. A squeal or squeak is actually a high pitched vibration. It is cured by chamfering the edges of front pads or rear shoes. The problem you are having, as I was told, was the rear shoes being too large for the drum. It is very annoying to have manufacturers fight you when you have a legitimate complaint. Isn't that why they call it a bumper to bumper warranty? |
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Replying to: norwoodsmn (Oct 11, 2008 10:24 am) You are a smart man, nrwdsmn! 3 Hondas in our family and I now have much more leisure time on my hands.  "Seems you can't fully depend on everyone, (your tire shop, or..) to get 'em done right" So true! And yet so sad. I check everything. Amazing how many loose lugs I've found. I had tires replaced on the RV and you would think you could just drive it home and not worry especially when you're paying over $2,200. Found the tire pressure to be 20psi off between the 6 tires. Doesn't anyone care anymore? OK, so I went off topic again. Just agreeing with you. AND we love the new Acura!  First couple tanks of gas and 19.8mpg city and 20.1 hwy. Not bad for 300hp. Of course, I haven't driven it much so those numbers will drastically change soon.
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