[Jezza94]

Hi all,

I'm seriously considering purchasing a 03-06 GV 4 door for a daily and the odd 4x4 trip on the weekends (nothing extreme - getting to and from a campsite etc... ) and have a few questions to ask.

Is there anything mechanical to look out for apart from the obvious? How do the engines go with over 150xxx km?

What is the fuel consumption like post-modding? AT tyres, lift, nudge bar etc.

What is local parts availability like?

Kind Regards,

Jeremy

[Jezza94]

Also, how easy are mods to pick up locally? Only really looking for a lift at this stage. I've also done some research and it seems that snorkels are only available online?

[ZUZUKI]

Hi Jeremy,
02-05 is the last up-date of the original GV. A 2006 should be the new shape (still current) 2nd Gen. version.
J20 = 2.0litre 4cyl runs a timing chain but don't like oil changes being skipped, marginally under-powered when loaded.
H25A = 2.5litre V6 runs timing chains, but seem to need replacing 200k-250k km - big labour job. Also don't like oil changes being skipped. Oil leak common L/H towards front of engine - big labour job.
Both engines robust enough. Trans is 5spd man or 4sp auto, both fine.
Mines done 255k, needed chains at 225k, also did the clutch, fixed the oil leak but has been a great car.
Auto cars have an alloy front diff (check with a magnet, some late autos have been known to have a steel housing from the factory) - a weakness if wheeled hard, can swap to a manual steel case, but diff ratios need swapping. Both are a little underdone CV wise.
Slightly heavier on fuel than you would expect - my modded 2.5 / 5spd will do 11L/100km lightly loaded on the hwy, 13-14L around town & have recorded 22L/100km in heavy sand!!
Not well supported by the aftermarket (eg very limited bullbar & snorkel options), wheels are very specific, very few aftermarket fitments. Wheel-arches are small, a little lift fits a 225/75R16, considered the best compromise size.
Late cars mostly have SRS airbags & ABS brakes, so going full on with the mods is hard to stay legal.
Suzuki are pretty good (above average) with genuine parts support. A few specialist Suzuki wreckers around & these SQ420 / SQ625 models are commonish in general wreckers.
Sounds like it would suit your stated use fine - there is nothing better in a small 4wd.
Good luck with it.
Rgs, Michael

[Jezza94]

That's what I wanted to read. Thanks for taking the time to get back to me Michael.

I'm going to check out an '04 with 165000 k's on it tonight. fingers crossed.

Regards, Jeremy