[camskea]

Looking at buying a GV this week, 2001 or 2002 model.
Whats the difference netween these 2?
Just the 7 seats ?
Pros / cons with either.
Thanks guys

[henno]

A few major differences. The XL7 has the bigger (and more powerful) H27a which is the 2.7L version of the same 2.5L H25a in most GVs.

The front diff can be a bit weird on the XL7s in some models; that may or may not be an issue for you. The rear diff is a completely different beast.

Otherwise, it's much of a muchness aside from two extra seats and a heap of wheelbase.

[camskea]

What about 2nd hand parts compatiblity?
Will things like tow bar, bull bar, running boards, bumpers, panels,engine parts, wheels be the same ?
And is the extra wheelbase a major good point ?

[henno]

Bumpers and panels are different across the GV range as well as across the XL7 range. You can see that just by looking at them.

Interior parts are different two.

[camskea]

Thanks mate.
So is the extra wheelbase and slightly bigger engine worth it?
I'm guessing 2nd hand parts are more readily available for just the GV ?

[Gwagensteve]

The only real advantage is the third row of seats.

The wheelbase is a disadvantage - belly clearance (breakover angle) is terrible in the XL-7
The slight increase in engine capacity is offset by the added weight in my opinion.

If you need the interior volume of an XL-7 and want genuine offroad capability I'd buy a heavier duty vehicle with better parts availability.

Steve.

[camskea]

Great. Thanks Steve.
Thats made my decision much easier.
I'll just go for the regular GV.

[jchomley]

We looked at both when we bought our new SQ625 11 years ago, I maybe could have sucked up the XL7 long wheelbase, but it should have a had atleast a 3 litre engine. Not worth it with only 2.7L, have never regretted our decision

Cheers,

Jack.

[murcod]

XL-7's also had a lower diff ratio to offset the extra weight. Remove the third row and you have a huge load area. The updated series (2003/2004 on) also had a 5 speed auto and a bit more power.

[tanshi]

murcod wrote:

XL-7's also had a lower diff ratio

any idea what ratio? nothing I have found proves this and I haven't pulled mine apart yet.

[murcod]

It was mentioned when they first came out- to improve performance with the extra weight. eg. http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring-servi ... ki/xl7.htm

Quote:

At the same time, the V6 engine's capacity has been enlarged from 2.5 litres to 2.7 litres for a power increase of 24 kW and the final drive ratio has been lowered slightly for this model.

[henno]

I think they are 4.6's through to 5.12's depending on the model, whereas GVs were anywhere from 4.3's to 4.8's for the most part.

[buzbox]

When it come to replacement serviceable parts with the early model XL7, for example, fuel, air, cabin filters, brake pads it can be a little bit of a muck around as the item removed may not be the same as the listed replacement part.
I literally just finished replacing the fuel filter in mine and the filter that was removed was not like the only part number listed for the make and model. Luckily I had a length of fuel hose that I used to make it work. I had the same issue when it came to replacing the front brake pads, air and cabin filters. The part numbers required were found by cross referencing the parts removed.

As Steve said, the ramp over angle is a bit shite and if you raise it to it's maximum capability it would still sit as high as a standard Prado. For me, I bought it for the extra room, it's super comfortable compared to what I have previously owned, it's just as fuel efficient, I don't plan on doing any tracks that are too extreme and it's a Suzuki

[murcod]

A lot of after market parts lists are totally wrong for the XL-7's. Some lists don't even recognise the first and second series are different in many aspects (eg. engine air filter, fuel filter, radiator cap etc.) I often found it easier just to buy OEM parts as when you give Suzuki the VIN it should always result in you receiving the correct parts.

[henno]

murcod wrote:

when you give Suzuki the VIN it should always result in you receiving the correct parts.

Not always true. I have been given the wrong rear main seal.... twice.

[murcod]

That's why I said "should always" - I was handed the wrong air filter once. (I put that down to them not bothering to check on their computer and assuming what would fit.)

[ninjamoses]

For the XL7s....

Series 1 manuals had 4.3s
Series 1 autos had 5.12s
Series 2 manual & autos both had 4.3s, and the autos got the shiny new lexus derived 5 speed.

Can't say I've had many issues with parts compatibility compared to the GV, vast majority of stuff is the same.
Both are great cars, however I friggin love the extra room in the XL7. Absolutely worth the compromise in ramp over angle IMO if you plan on doing regular camping/touring etc.

[ZUZUKI]

Got to say, the cargo space in a regular GV 5 door is tiny for touring - a 40litre fridge, 20litre water jerry & a couple of soft clothes bags is about it.
The XL-7 wasn't around when we bought our GV new in 1999, but as I occasionally contact terra firm with the middle of the car, I don't think an XL-7 would suit me.
There is also extra rear overhang on a XL-7 & I've scraped that a few times on the GV as well.
A complete guess, but I'd say the std GV was sold in a ratio of about 5:1 to the XL-7, so the std cars are a lot more common.
Tow bar = different, bullbar (for the latter droopy eyed look, unique to the XL-7) = different, running boards = different, rear bumper = different, early engines same but for extra 200cc, later engines drifted apart in ecu & sensors I think, wheel options were unique to the XL-7, but are interchangeable with std GV - just a different look - all 16" x 7"
Rgs, Michael

[buzbox]

ZUZUKI wrote:

Tow bar = different, bullbar (for the latter droopy eyed look, unique to the XL-7) = different, running boards = different, rear bumper = different, early engines same but for extra 200cc, later engines drifted apart in ecu & sensors I think, wheel options were unique to the XL-7, but are interchangeable with std GV - just a different look - all 16" x 7"
Rgs, Michael

Not too sure about the bullbar's / nudge bars being true as the early model's have the same spacing and bracket's even for the '05+ models. I found this out by asking the spacing of the chassis mounting bracket on the later model GV's nudge bar and they are the same as the early models and XL-7, so theoretically a later model nudge bar should fit.

[murcod]

Don't forget the XL-7's proper refrigerated rear aircon unit with four vents situated on the roof above the middle row seats (two vents for the middle row and two for the third row.)

Then remove the third row seats and you can easily fit a very large dog in - who will love you forever for having their own A/C vents.