[zattard]

Hi there all! I am currently eyeing off a petrol Gv after everyone has told me to back off them due to issues for my new offroad buggy. A recent sale just came up with a GV 2.7L V6 with 155000kms on it and I was wondering what are some issues and suggestions for this type of model and whether buying it for $8000 AUD would be a good buy? Has zero mods is stock standard will be modding it with lift and tyres straight away to get me to my campsites. Thankyou so much all for your advice!

Regards
Zac

[fordem]

Would this be a gen 2 - a 2001~2006 XL-7 - or a gen 3 - a 2006 or later Grand Vitara?

The reason I ask is both had the 2.7 litre V6 under the hood, and that and the Suzuki badge on the back are pretty much the only things in common - two very different vehicles.

[zattard]

The later 2007 GV.

[Gwagensteve]

The principle issue with these is that they aren't especially good 4WD's. They're OK, but they have significant limitations that were basically designed in to make them better road cars.

The front suspension has a bush that places the bolt in a vertical axis. This is common road car practice but it significantly restricts lift (to ~40mm)
Suspension articulation is poor and from that I've seen comparing vehicles on a flex ramp adding suspension lift significantly reduces articulation.

The traction control (if fitted) is poorly calibrated, requiring excessive wheelspin to engage, leading to the driver being forced to travel too quickly in cross-axle conditions, making the vehicle difficult to control, especially with a manual transmission. There are few options for traditional locking differentials to overcome this problem. I am aware of an ARB air locker being adapted to a new shape GV, but I believe it was a very expensive (and one-off) exercise.

I think the outstanding problems of the timing chain guides with earlier versions of the H series motor had been overcome by 2007 - I wouldn't expect to find the car less reliable than an equivalent japanese road car of the age/km, unless it's evident that the car has done much offroad work.

They're a good looking, comfortable and well made vehicle, just be aware that it's offroad ability is not significantly greater than the forester you have now, and the scope to improve it is limited. If that's not a problem for you go for your life.

[fordem]

Gwagensteve wrote:

There are few options for traditional locking differentials to overcome this problem. I am aware of an ARB air locker being adapted to a new shape GV, but I believe it was a very expensive (and one-off) exercise.

I think Harrop's does an E-Locker for it

[atari4x4]

TRE are doing front & rear arb style airlockers now.

[Gwagensteve]

Interesting, I'm clearly a little behind the curve. It's my understanding the Harrop unlocks when reversed, which is a significant flaw I think.

[fordem]

I believe Harrop is using the Eaton e-locker design and based on my understanding of how the Eaton works, yes, it will unlock when changing direction - I agree with your assessment - it is a flaw.

[Slug]

https://www.harrop.com.au/shop/elocker- ... itara-rear