[Pubic]

Hi all

I want to know all of the things to look out for when buying the newer style Grand Vitaras, whether it be second hand or new.

I am looking at a second hand model my self but im sure others would like to know about new models too.

Basically I would like to see a thread full of useful info regarding problems people have come across with different modifications or just problems that have arisen form general wear and tear that people can identify when buying a car.

Info on products people would recommend for modifications would be great - i.e what lift you have personally used/installed, was it easy, would you use it again, what alterations did you have to do to make it work???

Technical info in relation to engine strengths and weaknesses etc.

This should be full of tech and limited to chat as there is limited info for these on this forum in the one spot.

Cheers

Joel

[Pubic]

Now, in my instance, I am currently looking at a 2005 2.7L Manual. 105xxx Km's on the clock.

Does anyone know if the first of the new type GV's have teething problems that were eliminated in the next few models that were released?

General mods that seem to be done are a 40mm spring lift, slightly larger tyres, bar work and snorkel.

What, in your experience, have you done in these areas with your GV that you wold recommend someone else?
Or even outside these fields..

[Built4thrashing]

Early GV3's dont have traction control and there are no diff locks available that i know of. The motors can be thirsty and suspension bushes wear easily when lifted.
Other than that they are very nice cars.

Ours is a 2007, 5door manual, 2.4l base model and its been super reliable. No issues to speak of except the noisy ironman strut.
I have had it offroad but never on anything difficult.

[Built4thrashing]

Ours has a 40mm ironman lift. Springs are way to hard for offroad and it picks wheels up really easily. Drives like a sports car on the road .
Tyres are 225/75/16 BFG AT's. they corrected the speedo to within 2kms as it was about 9kms out when fitted with the stock wheels.
The traction control & ESP works suprisingly well offroad but being a manual i find i need to ride the clutch to get over any big obstacles.





When a wheel is in the air the traction control will brake that wheel and it tends to stall. If i was to buy another with the intention to use it offroad i would go for a V6 Auto and look at doing the strut spacer lift kit and keep the super soft stock suspension.

Places are starting to release aftermarket products for them now. You can get winch bars, dual battery kits, Bash plates, rock sliders, roof baskets and i even think there is a long range tank being developed. Some bloke overseas has even made a 2inch Body lift / drivertain drop where it puts spacers between everywhere the drivetrain and suspension attaches to the body. does nothing for diff clearance but gives space for larger tyres. 245/75/16 tyres fit with out issue, I even heard 15inch rims may fit but have never tried.

[Christian]

i can back b4t comments on the petrol, i get 12.5L/100
ive got a bullbar, a/t tyre & roof racks

the 2.7 has been very reliable for me, newer GV isnts too good in the rough stuff, however some creative driving can see you through most things.
im sure a lift kit would help too. get used to the noise at 0:30 without a lift

[Myles]

My Sister just bought a 2.7L V6 Manual one of these. So proud of her I wanna chuck an auszookers sticker on it but she wont let me haha

[Pubic]

Thanks boys.

Looking through different V6 models, I have found the 2.7l and a 3.2l.

Which is more desireable and reliable and why?

[BlueSuzy]

2.7 is a Suzuki motor
3.2 is a GM motor

Havent heard anything bad from either?

[steve125]

2005 - 2008 was the JB model and had the older engines, 2.0lt 4 cyl and 2.7 V6. With the upgrade in '09, the JT model, you get the newer generation 2.4 and 3.2. Power went up and fuel economy either stayed the same or improved slightly.

engine/kw/nm/lt/100
2.0/103/183/10.1
2.4/122/225/9.9
2.7/135/250/11.6
3.2/165/284/10.5

If you have the choice, go for the later model engines. Maybe even look at a 2.4 over the 2.7.

JBs also have drum brake rears, JTs disc. JBs had no traction control (I think the prestige models may have TC). Diesel JBs do have TC. The centre console/dash is slightly different between the two models. Other than these things and the engines, JB and JTs are indentical.

Biggest tyres you can fit are 30", this is as big as the front wheel arch will allow. I run 245/75 16 maxxis bighorns that are slightly undersize at 30" and fit OK, full size 245/75s like BFG KM2s that measure 30.5 just touch the plastic inner guards on full lock. Guard can be heated and pushed in though.

A lot more info about NGVs and their problems can be found here.
http://www.suzuki-forums.com/2g-2006-grand-vitara/

[Built4thrashing]

steve125 wrote:

2005 - 2008 was the JB model and had the older engines, 2.0lt 4 cyl and 2.7 V6. With the upgrade in '09, the JT model, you get the newer generation 2.4 and 3.2. Power went up and fuel economy either stayed the same or improved slightly.

engine/kw/nm/lt/100
2.0/103/183/10.1
2.4/122/225/9.9
2.7/135/250/11.6
3.2/165/284/10.5

If you have the choice, go for the later model engines. Maybe even look at a 2.4 over the 2.7.

JBs also have drum brake rears, JTs disc. JBs had no traction control (I think the prestige models may have TC). Diesel JBs do have TC. The centre console/dash is slightly different between the two models. Other than these things and the engines, JB and JTs are indentical.

Biggest tyres you can fit are 30", this is as big as the front wheel arch will allow. I run 245/75 16 maxxis bighorns that are slightly undersize at 30" and fit OK, full size 245/75s like BFG KM2s that measure 30.5 just touch the plastic inner guards on full lock. Guard can be heated and pushed in though.

A lot more info about NGVs and their problems can be found here.
http://www.suzuki-forums.com/2g-2006-grand-vitara/

Ours is a 2008 model and it has the updated motor and interior. Being only a 4cly it still has plenty of go and will tow a trailer / caravan no problem. We have 225/75/16 BFG tyres and they fit without any rubbing.