[ms1991]

Hi all, Im going to have a look at a vitara with the v6 4 speed auto H20a engine and would like to know some pros and cons.

I have done a search on what to look out for but couldnt find much.

Please mention anything you know about these engines or the car in general..especially fuel economy and motor performance etc..

This is the car,
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 2&__N=1216 1247 1252 1282 4294962891 4294962890 903&distance=25&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,7500~1&sort=default

any advice would be greatly appreciated as i am not very well informed on suzi's.

[Gwagensteve]

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER

This should have been done by now, but make sure the car is cold when you get there to look at it and it should be quiet on startup.

Any grinding type noise (like a noisy water pump/alternator) is likely to indicate the tensioner needs doing. This is a $1k+ job and would be cause for significant negotiation on price.

Other than that, it doesn't look to have been off road.

Just make sure everything works and there's no obvious oil leaks etc.

Steve.

[Built4thrashing]

When are you planning to go look at it? I live only 15mins away and could come sus it out with you. Ive got a 98 Gv which is very similar mechanically.

[TheOtherLeft]

Gwagensteve wrote:

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER

This should have been done by now

Why should have it been done by now??? It's only done 180,XXX kms

If there's no noise then there shouldn't be a need to replace it. Should it???

[Gwagensteve]

The tensioners have a design fault and failure is extremely common. I believe the replacement part fixes the fault.

IMHO if it's quiet the tensioner will have been replaced.

Steve.