Hi all, a long time lurker here, but I thought I'd register...purely so I can sell something!
Many years ago one of these Suzuki forums helped me when I wanted a small 4wd - it came down to a choice between a feroza or vitara, and I ended up getting the latter.
So; the car is in Tamworth, currently vig rego till Jan 2013, I'm hoping for about $2K+/- or so. I've had it since the beginning of 2008 and have had it regularly serviced every 5K or so, including the important 200,000 turnover.
It's in good mechanical order (IMHO) though it does have a few quirks, as follows.
Broken and then fixed:- alternator died on the Hume freeway in 2009 or so. Replaced.
- distributor points/cap started misfiring a cylinder; Replaced.
- my mechanic replaced the front LHS axle bearing, it felt 'rough' and was found to be pitted.
- top tank of the radiator in 2011. The bottom tank will need replacing in a few years (so said the radiator chap).
- 2008 the carburettor was replaced with an reconditioned one (gaskets were allowing petrol to evaporate) .
- battery replaced (NRMA) this year
-windscreen replaced (in prep for NSW rego) this year.
Quirks.- it has power steering (retrofitted) - the bracket for the fluid reservoir is 'shop made' by the (professional) fitter.
- the AC no longer works - the top hose is loose ($250+/-) prior to that leak, it was fine.
- the automatic gearbox seeks/jumps between 2&3rd when travelling at 55klm+/-.
The AT tech thought it was the 'kickdown switch' and would cost $450+/- to fix and service the transmission. I used to just drive in 2nd around town (under 60) then click her into 3 for above 60. The strange thing is when accelerating from 0 - 100 klm all gear changes are smooth; it is only when the vehicle is hovering at 55 or so.
- the paint (specifically the clear coat I'm told) is shot on the bonnet and roof.
- the car does not like running when cold - she'll start fine, but when idles too low (?) and stalls. I sit there keeping the rev's up for a minute or two till it's warmed up a bit, then she's fine.
- I'm not entirely sure about the accuracy of the fuel gauge; I fill the damn thing but it sometime doesn't seem to 'read' full. Reading empty seems to be accurate enough. Something to keep an eye on.
- the brakes squeak for the first 5 minutes of use; the mechanic didn't find anything wrong and the noise goes away after a bit of use - I assume it's because it sits without use for weeks at a time. The brake pads will surely need replacing soon for I've not replaced them in 4.5 years.
- the air 'hose' to the air filter is lose and can be pulled out.
- there is an oil seep from near the distributor.
- the gearbox has a seep.
- comes with bumper & tow bar - with round style plug.
Electrical Oddities.- the horn earth in the steering column is cactus; doesn't bother me because it's re-wired to the door - but the auto electrical chap rigged up a contact point touching the steering shaft to form a new earth, but I'm sure the copper wire across the shaft universal joint has gone - I can't see it and the horn on the wheel no longer works.
- due to me having a disability the indicators & headlight dimmer are also wired to tap on/off buttons on the floor; the indicators/dimmer on the steering column still work; if you buy it, just snip them off and tape up the wire (so it doesn't short).
- there is also a 'press' start button on the dash.
- the light in the roof is a led bulb type and one has to hit it occasionally to get it to light.
- the door open/closed switches in the car frame are no longer reliable.
Body.- dent in the passenger side rear, near the tail light; it was poorly un-dented (by me) and can-sprayed to stop rust. (see pic)
- there is a dent in the sill near the passenger door; there used to be an identical one on the drivers side but I paid a smash repairer $80 to yank it out. I then sprayed it over.
- there are no rust problems; perhaps where a few chips of paint are gone, but absolutely nothing like what I've seen being cut and repaired on this forum.
- the rear interior panels are non original, but I do have them.
- the rear seats and belts are out, but they're in good condition and I have all the bolts etc.
- the car starts very well with no smoke etc.
- the radio antenna is bent.
- Rola roof bars (no key).
Travelling.
She's reliable, but lacks grunt over 110. I used to live in Albury and used to jump on the freeway frequently; I used to sit quite happily (but noisily) at 112 or so.
At this speed the engine's on 4k RPM, and it takes a while to achieve this speed; overtaking at 100 or 110 requires careful forward planning. [A fact of which I'm sure this forum is aware.]
My most recent trip was from Tamworth to Albury and back, in June and I had no problems at all.
Tyres= 4xCoopers Discovery M+S 205/75R15, Spare=1xBridgestone Desert Dueler p205/75R15. All tyres have about 4mm till the tread wear indicator. The car has a Pioneer cd (mp3), player & stereo fitted with remote (if I can find it) and an aux in cable. I've also got a Haynes Manual for the car. I bought the car at the beginning of 2008 at 195000klm, it's now done 259386, I bought the above Coopers tyres in 2009?
Don't laugh, but I've never actually been bogged in this vehicle; I'm a cautious and careful driver with no desire to get my hands wet/dirty. That said, in my 4.5 years of ownership she has explored the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola, Port Lincoln, Brisbane, Batemans Bay, Major Clews hut and down to the Geehi Flats camping area (but not through the river!). The most amazing trek was from Abbeyard up & over to Lake Cobbler Rd; they said there were steep sections and they were indeed telling the truth.
Why then am I selling this mechanical marvel? Well, I've just bought a 2009 Grand Vitara - complete with cup holders, a few more cc's, electric windows and at least one more speed in the gearbox.
Now...I'll try to insert some pics....
RHS
Note poorly patched dent next to brake light.
Dent in sill.
Paint. Note the 'dots' are just dirt; we had a bit of rain.
Paint.
Note experimental panels & no seats. Note the front seats are in poor-ish condition - the covers are torn. I didn't get a pic, but will if there's any interest in this car.
Part of car.
Part of car.
Engine.
Seep.
Engine.
Anyway, I hope there's some interest, otherwise she'll live out her days as a paddock basher, which would be a shame.
Note, it you want to take her and part her out (even onto this forum), then that's fine (but sad). I lack the knowledge to part her out, and she is still a going vehicle with nothing a few dollars can't fix.
In order to get NSW rego, you'll need to put the seats and belts back in, but for vic rego, I think it'll be fine.
I've got my newer car and so have no need for her. If you want any other pics, let me know or comment...
All the best.
P
