Acceleration?

[08vitara]

Originally Posted by swiftymorgan

The SX4 Crossover looks like the perfect vehicle for me but the reviews regarding poor acceleration are troubling. An SX4 Crossover easlily passed my old Honda Accord on a hill the other day so I’m totally confused.
Question: How’s the acceleration?

As for acceleration, don’t go by what is written in reviews be it positive or negative. These reviews although helpful, do not offer any long term or real world experience. As mentioned elsewhere here, we have 2 identical USA specific SX4’s, automatic. One resides overseas the other in the states.

The one in Europe has its work cut out for it as the terrain, form of driving and overall road/driving demands are different from what we have in the US. Thus far the car in Europe has accumulated 3500 miles over all sorts of terrain and conditions. It accelerates quickly, smoothly and effortlessly. This summer the temperatures there have been hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. It has carried 5 adults with excessive baggage (once the cargo area was stuffed, the cross bars carry an aluminum cargo box which spans the entire roof surface, this was also loaded to capacity) a/c on and without any complaints of lacking power.

Note that the 2.0 litre which powers the SX4 is the same unit that powers the Vitara throughout Europe. Although gearing is different, I doubt the motor requires as much effort to pull the SX4 as it does the Vitara.

As a personal note, the first oil change on both cars occurred @ 1500 miles. The oil used was a 5/40 Synthetic. Synthetic oil provides superior lubrication compared to regular oil, thus less friction which equals to smother operation, better fuel economy/acceleration.

[gio]

Damn! I'm up to 1800 miles. What brand do you recommend on Oil. I gotta hit Jiffy Lube on Sunday then. Or will I get an indicator on my dash?
Are u saying i should change oil every 1500 miles?




You said:

As a personal note, the first oil change on both cars occurred @ 1500 miles. The oil used was a 5/40 Synthetic. Synthetic oil provides superior lubrication compared to regular oil, thus less friction which equals to smother operation, better fuel economy/acceleration.

[08vitara]

Originally Posted by gio

Damn! I'm up to 1800 miles. What brand do you recommend on Oil. I gotta hit Jiffy Lube on Sunday then. Or will I get an indicator on my dash?
Are u saying i should change oil every 1500 miles?




You said:

As a personal note, the first oil change on both cars occurred @ 1500 miles. The oil used was a 5/40 Synthetic. Synthetic oil provides superior lubrication compared to regular oil, thus less friction which equals to smother operation, better fuel economy/acceleration.

It appears you have misinterpreted my post. I wrote that the first oil change occurred at 1500 miles. This is the oil which carries all the filings/shavings during the break in period. Contrary to almost every manufacturers recommendations I do not want the factory oil in the crankcase for any extended amount of time. 1500 to 2500 miles is enough for the oil to carry the aforementioned shavings. Then out it goes. I have owned many new cars over the years and with every “first” oil change I always send a sample to the lab for analysis. No matter which motor I’ve had the analysis always comes back with an ugly report. “Change oil immediately”, “heavy metal content”, etc, etc, etc…

As for your response, I do my own oil changes, I do not go to Jiffy lube. Never have never will! When it comes to my motors only “top shelf” nothing else will do!

I use only synthetic oil. Either Castrol 10/60, Pentosin 05/40 or Rotella 5/40, and always a Bosch filter with an anti drain valve. Unless I happen to own a vehicle with a paper oil filter, then it’s a Mann or Hengst.

As for indicator(s) on your dash, I have no idea what you are referring to.

As for your oil change intervals, do as you wish. Personally, the first LOF is at 1000-1500 miles. Then every 4000 miles thereafter.

[gio]

Thanks, this is useful. Is there some tutorial or video that I can go to and do the oil changes myself? I never did an oil change before. Is it easy?

[08vitara]

Originally Posted by gio

Thanks, this is useful. Is there some tutorial or video that I can go to and do the oil changes myself? I never did an oil change before. Is it easy?

Considering that each vehicle is unique, oil changes differ as the procedures and placement of the filter/drain plug are different from vehicle to vehicle. I am not aware of any tutorial… sorry.

With all due respect, if you have not gotten involved before, then I recommend you go to a reputable mechanic/repair shop in the area that can do it for you, if not the dealer.

I have been working on cars for many years. Some are difficult some easy… some are just a pain… For example, the oil filter replacement on the V6 Vitara must be a cruel joke from Suzuki to all mechanics and those who replace it on their own. No matter how careful and neat one is, there will always be oil running down the side of the block and most dreadfully down the fore arm… Oh well…

[gio]

I feel If i have Suzuki do it, they will charge me an arm and a leg.

I had an Audi A4 2004 and oil changes were at no charge until the warranty of the car expired.

[08vitara]

I doubt it… The dealer will use a Suzuki filter, which is good. I don’t know about synthetic oil, but some dealers a very good with bringing your own oil and having them pour it in. Ask you have nothing to loose…

I don’t know what your dealer uses, but the dealer we bought our cars from use Castrol or something like that... As for cost, I came across a banner hanging on their service drive which I think read $18.99 or something near that for an oil change. I actually spend more money doing it on my own, but that’s just me…

If it comes to the dealer or jiffy lube I’ll go to the dealer… I don’t believe in “cheap” oil changes. The money you save on each oil change you will pay for ten fold in long term engine repairs.

[gio]

How can I tell if they jipped me? Lets say I get the oil and the filter for them and they replace it with cheap shit.

Any tips on confirming that they used the right ingredients?

[ewetho]

I used the wrong stuff once at my shop because it was not written up correctly and YUP I got to do it over.

Unless the tech has the same car they could care less. Heck if really nervous watch. As for the filter if all else fails bend over and look. Oil you'd have to watch. Besides no tech is going to risk getting fired over an oil change.