Hi guys, just a question, have you ever felt regretful after buying your GV?
renn_007
hey aussie gv
still no luck with your local dealer then regarding your gearbox whine, that's a real shame....their useless the suzuki dealerships in my experiance.
GV1888
you've gotta be crazy to even think of buying another GV, especially at £17,5k.....there's no way there worth that much and considering the steep depreciation of all suzuki models i wouldn't even consider it.
if i was ever going to buy another suzuki it would have to be at least a year old to let someone else take the financial hit first.
i was thinking of trading mine the other day for this nice golf gti i'd seen...it was only 14k and 2 year old but guess what i was offered for my jeep? 5k!!!! bloody 5K! can you believe it, i paid all up 16.5k for the thing just over 2 years ago.....so that works out it's cost me £110 a week in depreciation, not including running costs etc......that's gotta be the worst depreciation of any car i've ever had and i've owned quite a few over the years.
i've decided now i'd be crazy to sell it, so i'm just gonna keep it forever and run it till it dies.....and trade my wife's car for something like the golf gti for a bit of fun.
regards
pineman
still no luck with your local dealer then regarding your gearbox whine, that's a real shame....their useless the suzuki dealerships in my experiance.
GV1888
you've gotta be crazy to even think of buying another GV, especially at £17,5k.....there's no way there worth that much and considering the steep depreciation of all suzuki models i wouldn't even consider it.
if i was ever going to buy another suzuki it would have to be at least a year old to let someone else take the financial hit first.
i was thinking of trading mine the other day for this nice golf gti i'd seen...it was only 14k and 2 year old but guess what i was offered for my jeep? 5k!!!! bloody 5K! can you believe it, i paid all up 16.5k for the thing just over 2 years ago.....so that works out it's cost me £110 a week in depreciation, not including running costs etc......that's gotta be the worst depreciation of any car i've ever had and i've owned quite a few over the years.
i've decided now i'd be crazy to sell it, so i'm just gonna keep it forever and run it till it dies.....and trade my wife's car for something like the golf gti for a bit of fun.
regards
pineman
Hi pineman,
I've decided that i'am going to keep it for a long time,i've spent too much on accessories just to change it for a new one.The GV is my third suzuki and i love the whole 4x4 thing,my wife likes it but won't drive it so partly because of that,it's staying.
Personally i don't think it's worth £17,500 for the new one although it's been upgraded, not in the presant money climate anyway.
I'am going to get the windows tinted instead.
Regards,GV1888.
I've decided that i'am going to keep it for a long time,i've spent too much on accessories just to change it for a new one.The GV is my third suzuki and i love the whole 4x4 thing,my wife likes it but won't drive it so partly because of that,it's staying.
Personally i don't think it's worth £17,500 for the new one although it's been upgraded, not in the presant money climate anyway.
I'am going to get the windows tinted instead.
Regards,GV1888.
Hi GV1888
i reckon your doing the right thing, it's simply not "new" enough, especially not to the tune of 17.5k!!!
personally i like my little jeep, sure it's not the most refined, nor the most comfortable and hasn't got all the latest gadgets but i've kind of become attached to it....so it looks like it will be with us for a long time to come, even if it's not my main car.
good idea regarding the window tinting i say, mine were done when it was new and i feel it looks so much nicer.....just don't make the mistake and tint the fronts more than 30% or the rozzers will nick you, or at least the anal ones will...lol
regards
pineman
i reckon your doing the right thing, it's simply not "new" enough, especially not to the tune of 17.5k!!!
personally i like my little jeep, sure it's not the most refined, nor the most comfortable and hasn't got all the latest gadgets but i've kind of become attached to it....so it looks like it will be with us for a long time to come, even if it's not my main car.
good idea regarding the window tinting i say, mine were done when it was new and i feel it looks so much nicer.....just don't make the mistake and tint the fronts more than 30% or the rozzers will nick you, or at least the anal ones will...lol
regards
pineman
-Pineman; about the depreciation.
-These things are very country-specific. Here in Finland, the Suzukis always return good value, partly because everyone knows the tough structure and good quality. Jeeps, how ever, seem to depreciate here as well. Mostly because they take a lot of petrol and are expensive to service.
-This from an ad in the paper two days ago: "2005 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 manual 3dr, 57.000 km, air con, 2 air bags, hard top + soft top, tow bar, winch, full service history, two sets of tyres on alloys, blue, 1 owner". Price: 11.900 eur! This Jeep, with the options, cost over 68.000 eur when new. Now, that's depreciation!
-Same paper a month earlier: "2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 petrol, 113.000 km, manual, air con, tow bar, 2 sets of tyres on alloys, 4 air bags, keyless entry, stainless bull bar with extra long beams, 1 owner, full service history, grey metallic" Price: 20.900 eur! This GV, with options, cost 31.000 eur when new.
-Makes one think hard, does'nt it? :huh:
-I would buy the GV again, and again, because it's so much cheaper, than anything else out there with remotely the same spec. Also especially the DDiS is so torquey, that it makes a good towing vehicle. I also noticed the non-illuminated window switches and all that. Every time, I drive the GV, I just smile and forget these small things. It's good to drive, quiet (2009 model), no driveline noise, small consumption, low taxes, low insurance group (in Finland, at least), low service costs, and mostly; it's a real 4x4!
-Many happy kms for all GV drivers out there!
-These things are very country-specific. Here in Finland, the Suzukis always return good value, partly because everyone knows the tough structure and good quality. Jeeps, how ever, seem to depreciate here as well. Mostly because they take a lot of petrol and are expensive to service.
-This from an ad in the paper two days ago: "2005 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 manual 3dr, 57.000 km, air con, 2 air bags, hard top + soft top, tow bar, winch, full service history, two sets of tyres on alloys, blue, 1 owner". Price: 11.900 eur! This Jeep, with the options, cost over 68.000 eur when new. Now, that's depreciation!
-Same paper a month earlier: "2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 petrol, 113.000 km, manual, air con, tow bar, 2 sets of tyres on alloys, 4 air bags, keyless entry, stainless bull bar with extra long beams, 1 owner, full service history, grey metallic" Price: 20.900 eur! This GV, with options, cost 31.000 eur when new.
-Makes one think hard, does'nt it? :huh:
-I would buy the GV again, and again, because it's so much cheaper, than anything else out there with remotely the same spec. Also especially the DDiS is so torquey, that it makes a good towing vehicle. I also noticed the non-illuminated window switches and all that. Every time, I drive the GV, I just smile and forget these small things. It's good to drive, quiet (2009 model), no driveline noise, small consumption, low taxes, low insurance group (in Finland, at least), low service costs, and mostly; it's a real 4x4!
-Many happy kms for all GV drivers out there!
If only the diesel engine was turbocharged I bet Suzuki would sell more of them! I'm sure there will be a aftermarket kit for that soon.
-Risky; I dont know about Australia, but at least here the 1.9DDiS is the same commonrail and turbocharged F9Q unit, that Renault uses in the Scenic 1.9dCi automatic. I have'nt seen the intercooler yet, so I can't be sure if it has got an intercooler, but it's definately turbocharged. I'm pretty sure, that Suzuki only offers one diesel engine for the GV, despite the market area?
-Unrelated; last sunday, I measured the charge pressure on my GV DDiS, which was (average) ~1,50 bar, varying between ~1,48 and ~1,52 bar. This is 0,1 bar more than in my previous car, but the Renault engine has got a lower compression and flatter torque curve.
-The diesel engine in the Suzuki SX4 1.9DDiS, how ever, is made by Fiat in Italy. It just happens to have roughly the same displacement, but the entire engine is different
-Unrelated; last sunday, I measured the charge pressure on my GV DDiS, which was (average) ~1,50 bar, varying between ~1,48 and ~1,52 bar. This is 0,1 bar more than in my previous car, but the Renault engine has got a lower compression and flatter torque curve.
-The diesel engine in the Suzuki SX4 1.9DDiS, how ever, is made by Fiat in Italy. It just happens to have roughly the same displacement, but the entire engine is different
-The only thing about my GV, that has really, really started to bug the crap out of me, is this;
-I get in to my GV, and open the door with just one push of the remote or door handle request switch, and drive on. Halfway of my journey, I remember, that I have to take something out of the boot. I have to switch off the ignition, get out of the GV, lock the doors, then open them all by pressing the remote or door handle request switch, twice, to open all the doors. Then I take the thing out of the boot, get in to the GV, and start the engine once more, before continuing my journey
-First car, truck, suv, I've ever had, that has this function, and I curse and spit at the person, that ever came up with this rediculous system. And yes, I know, that there are other cars with this feature, and yes, I know also, that in some countries it's mandatory in new cars, but still
-I get in to my GV, and open the door with just one push of the remote or door handle request switch, and drive on. Halfway of my journey, I remember, that I have to take something out of the boot. I have to switch off the ignition, get out of the GV, lock the doors, then open them all by pressing the remote or door handle request switch, twice, to open all the doors. Then I take the thing out of the boot, get in to the GV, and start the engine once more, before continuing my journey
-First car, truck, suv, I've ever had, that has this function, and I curse and spit at the person, that ever came up with this rediculous system. And yes, I know, that there are other cars with this feature, and yes, I know also, that in some countries it's mandatory in new cars, but still
fingv,
An interesting annoyance. When I go to use the GV, I just ask myself if I'm only going to be using the drivers door, or if other stuff/people are involved. I only rarely just unlock the drivers door. I can't use the door handle buttons on the tailgate or passenger side because the installation of an alarm system caused them to set off the alarm when used.
Robin,
I enjoyed reading your perspective on the '06 vs '09 GV's. You could close the gap somewhat by selling the '06 yourself. What does the motorhome community think of the GV? I don't think I've seen one being towed yet.
An interesting annoyance. When I go to use the GV, I just ask myself if I'm only going to be using the drivers door, or if other stuff/people are involved. I only rarely just unlock the drivers door. I can't use the door handle buttons on the tailgate or passenger side because the installation of an alarm system caused them to set off the alarm when used.
Robin,
I enjoyed reading your perspective on the '06 vs '09 GV's. You could close the gap somewhat by selling the '06 yourself. What does the motorhome community think of the GV? I don't think I've seen one being towed yet.
Yeah you're right fingv we have the 1.9 litre turbo, 4 cylinder Common rail Diesel out here I thought it was non-turbo. I am amazed that the diesel has rear drum brakes though but thats cool. Must have been the pics i've seen of the engine that was wondering where the turbo was. Mind you I don't know diesel engines that well. Our diesel version is starting to get popular but it's not being advertised highly here. Overall in Australia we're not big lovers of diesel engines. The main thing being the price of fuel out here it is for it (AUD$1.34 per litre compared to AUD$1.12 per litre for petrol). I understand they provide better economy/towing etc but diesels here are found on large trucks. I know in Europe & Scandinavia they're nuts on the things but give it time & i'm sure we will.
Depreciation on vehicles is worldwide at the moment. I found that out when I went to Randwick Suzuki near where I live for a trade-in price. My 2007 Suzuki JB Type 2 Grand Vitara 5dr Auto 5sp 4wd 2.7iL V6 was worth AUD$35K when I bought it from them in 2007. 14 months later thay had the hide to tell me it was worth AUD$18K. That is a very considerable drop. Considering they told me that I was a "prefered customer" I thought it was insulting that they offered me that price & I walked away never to go back. I decided to keep hold of it & sell it privately later in January 2009. I paid for my 2008 Suzuki JT MY09 Grand Vitara 3dr Auto 4sp 4wd 2.4iL in cash which is why I got a good deal at the next Suzuki dealer I went to. They saw my '07 GV & they were wondering if I was going to sell it as it was in fab condition with 11000kms on the clock, which I said I would later. After I picked up my new GV, a few days later I got a phone call from the dealer asking if I would sell my '07 GV for AUD$26500 as they had a buyer for a 2nd hand GV. I took that offer saving me time & advertising it & waiting for a buyer.
As I've said before, if you are after a new GV, shop around for a good deal & for trade-in. Dealers here use Glass's info services as their guide Glass's Information Services - New and Used Vehicle Prices (Buying or selling your car get car prices here...)
for car values. It is the right time to buy, but you really have to be good at haggling. Put the time & effort in & it will pay off.
If you are keeping your GV, spend the extra cash (if you have it) on accessories people will see that will make your GV stand out from the rest. With my '07 GV I had the reverse sensors (which should be mandatory) & the nudge bar which the dealer noticed straight away as a seller besides that it was very well looked after, serviced & the low kilometres. Buying important accessories will add value when you do want to sell it.
GV's are real value for money & are far better than it's competitors.
Depreciation on vehicles is worldwide at the moment. I found that out when I went to Randwick Suzuki near where I live for a trade-in price. My 2007 Suzuki JB Type 2 Grand Vitara 5dr Auto 5sp 4wd 2.7iL V6 was worth AUD$35K when I bought it from them in 2007. 14 months later thay had the hide to tell me it was worth AUD$18K. That is a very considerable drop. Considering they told me that I was a "prefered customer" I thought it was insulting that they offered me that price & I walked away never to go back. I decided to keep hold of it & sell it privately later in January 2009. I paid for my 2008 Suzuki JT MY09 Grand Vitara 3dr Auto 4sp 4wd 2.4iL in cash which is why I got a good deal at the next Suzuki dealer I went to. They saw my '07 GV & they were wondering if I was going to sell it as it was in fab condition with 11000kms on the clock, which I said I would later. After I picked up my new GV, a few days later I got a phone call from the dealer asking if I would sell my '07 GV for AUD$26500 as they had a buyer for a 2nd hand GV. I took that offer saving me time & advertising it & waiting for a buyer.
As I've said before, if you are after a new GV, shop around for a good deal & for trade-in. Dealers here use Glass's info services as their guide Glass's Information Services - New and Used Vehicle Prices (Buying or selling your car get car prices here...)
for car values. It is the right time to buy, but you really have to be good at haggling. Put the time & effort in & it will pay off.
If you are keeping your GV, spend the extra cash (if you have it) on accessories people will see that will make your GV stand out from the rest. With my '07 GV I had the reverse sensors (which should be mandatory) & the nudge bar which the dealer noticed straight away as a seller besides that it was very well looked after, serviced & the low kilometres. Buying important accessories will add value when you do want to sell it.
GV's are real value for money & are far better than it's competitors.
-Geevee; so far, the door thingie has happened to me three times. Every time, I have either forgotten, that I need to use the boot later on, or I've had to pick someone up down the road, that I knew nothing about before I started. Still, It's anoying I hate it
-Risky; The diesel model, here in Finland, has cooled discs in all wheels. Why the Aussie version has drums, I don't know? Here in Finland, the only GV, that has rear drums, is the 1.6 petrol 3 door with manual trans and no low gears in the transfer case. And that's only bought by women, to spin around in the town. All five-door models here, have discs.
-The price of petrol is interesting to watch around the world. In Finland, the prices are just the opposite of yours. Diesel is about 20 euro cent less per litre than petrol. Maybe that's why the diesels are more popular here?
-BTW, I discovered, that the DDiS does'nt have an intercooler, I don't know, why, but just does'nt. :huh: It only has a turbocharger, as I predicted earlier. Would be interesting to find out, what adding the intercooler afterwards would do to power and torque... I might be more tempted to try this, than ever trying the chip tuning. Fiddling with the injection or timing of it, usually reduces the lifespan of the diesel engine. That's why I've never chip-tuned any of my diesels. I just buy the most powerful factory variant available, and settle for that.
I hate it -Risky; The diesel model, here in Finland, has cooled discs in all wheels. Why the Aussie version has drums, I don't know? Here in Finland, the only GV, that has rear drums, is the 1.6 petrol 3 door with manual trans and no low gears in the transfer case. And that's only bought by women, to spin around in the town. All five-door models here, have discs.
-The price of petrol is interesting to watch around the world. In Finland, the prices are just the opposite of yours. Diesel is about 20 euro cent less per litre than petrol. Maybe that's why the diesels are more popular here?
-BTW, I discovered, that the DDiS does'nt have an intercooler, I don't know, why, but just does'nt. :huh: It only has a turbocharger, as I predicted earlier. Would be interesting to find out, what adding the intercooler afterwards would do to power and torque...
I might be more tempted to try this, than ever trying the chip tuning. Fiddling with the injection or timing of it, usually reduces the lifespan of the diesel engine. That's why I've never chip-tuned any of my diesels. I just buy the most powerful factory variant available, and settle for that. -A secret, indeed. I think the main reason for poor sales of the GV, has always been the lack of advertising, compared to the RAV4 and CRV. And this applies to all countries, including our dear old Finland.
-At the same time, the advertising for the RAV4 and CRV has been ferocious, and the slightly higher degree of refinement (on-road) provided by the two, has always attracted more customers. Two thirds of the customers do want a refined vehicle, more than they want a rugged 4x4.
-In Finland, the launch of the new GV in fall 2005 was doomed to fail, because it was priced at $ 8k more than a basic RAV4 or CRV When Suzuki finally reduced the price level in 2007-2008, it was simply too late. People just thought it was too expensive for the level of refinement.
-I still think, I made a wise decision, buying the GV, and so far, I've seen nothing, that could persuade me to buy any other vehicle. I especially hate the "wannabe" 4x4's, like the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV, RAV4, Kia Sportage, and list goes on. The 4-wheel drive on these trucks is a joke at best, and I can not find any reason, why they should'nt be 2wd trucks?
-At the same time, the advertising for the RAV4 and CRV has been ferocious, and the slightly higher degree of refinement (on-road) provided by the two, has always attracted more customers. Two thirds of the customers do want a refined vehicle, more than they want a rugged 4x4.
-In Finland, the launch of the new GV in fall 2005 was doomed to fail, because it was priced at $ 8k more than a basic RAV4 or CRV
When Suzuki finally reduced the price level in 2007-2008, it was simply too late. People just thought it was too expensive for the level of refinement.-I still think, I made a wise decision, buying the GV, and so far, I've seen nothing, that could persuade me to buy any other vehicle.
I especially hate the "wannabe" 4x4's, like the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV, RAV4, Kia Sportage, and list goes on. The 4-wheel drive on these trucks is a joke at best, and I can not find any reason, why they should'nt be 2wd trucks?
Hey fingv
The 1.6L 3dr was a dog of a car. I took one out for a spin back in '07 & told the dealer that Suzuki is going backwards. The last 1.6L was my 1994 Suzuki SE416C Type3 Vitara JLX 3dr Auto 3sp 4x4 It was was miles better than the '07 version. Dealers were slashing prices just to move them but still nobody wanted them. Suzuki Australia dumped that model big time. I feel sorry for those who did buy it as they are missing out on what the GV was really made for.
Suzuki really need to advertise their products better. If they had the same budget as Toyota they would be doing far better. The most disgusting ad campaign here in Australia with the Rav4 is that Toyota claims it to be "The original SUV"! Since when Toyota huh? These ads are on all our channels & it makes me sick that Toyota is now mis-informing their customers just to get more sales & an advantage over mis-informed people to buy something for which it's not. Suzuki have great products at good prices & they should capitalise on that. I hate the "wannabe's" too as they are just glorified raised up people movers. Look at any 4x4 magazine & you will see Toyota & Mitsubishi spending big on advertising. That's why you see their products plastered with the journos saying that they are better. It shows advertising buys you better kudos with journos & thats why these 4x4's are getting gongs from these magazines.
The '09 GV's are far better refined than the models it replaced. Safety alone is a huge improvement. 6 airbags in my new GV compared to 2 airbags in my old '07 GV.
Diesel has never been a big hit here. Mainly of the price which is silly since diesel is cheaper to produce than gasoline. The larger 4x4's were the dominant use of diesel but with the advent of the VW golf & polo diesel & other European cars offering diesel models it is making buyers think twice. I'm sure you're having a good laugh at our fuel prices, but as I say to everyone "We live in the backside of the world..... what do you expect!". Hopefully Suzuki will offer some time down the track a more technological advanced diesel. Maybe someone will offer an after-market intercooler for the GV's..... Here's hoping!
The reason why I buy Suzuki's..... it's easy! They are rugged & dependable. They can go anywhere even where the larger 4x4's can go & still show them up. If you saw our crappy roads, you'd want something rugged to drive. You'll see more refined road SUV's up on hoists out here getting their suspensions fixed. People buy the "wannabes" cos they are comfortable. Since when has any proper 4x4 been comfortable? My old Nissan Bluebirds took a beating on country roads & thats why I gave up on them & stuck with Vitara's
As far as I'm concerned, we here made the right choice of vehicle. I hope that others wanting a proper SUV will see we made the right choice instead of the "wannabes".
The 1.6L 3dr was a dog of a car. I took one out for a spin back in '07 & told the dealer that Suzuki is going backwards. The last 1.6L was my 1994 Suzuki SE416C Type3 Vitara JLX 3dr Auto 3sp 4x4 It was was miles better than the '07 version. Dealers were slashing prices just to move them but still nobody wanted them. Suzuki Australia dumped that model big time. I feel sorry for those who did buy it as they are missing out on what the GV was really made for.
Suzuki really need to advertise their products better. If they had the same budget as Toyota they would be doing far better. The most disgusting ad campaign here in Australia with the Rav4 is that Toyota claims it to be "The original SUV"! Since when Toyota huh? These ads are on all our channels & it makes me sick that Toyota is now mis-informing their customers just to get more sales & an advantage over mis-informed people to buy something for which it's not. Suzuki have great products at good prices & they should capitalise on that. I hate the "wannabe's" too as they are just glorified raised up people movers. Look at any 4x4 magazine & you will see Toyota & Mitsubishi spending big on advertising. That's why you see their products plastered with the journos saying that they are better. It shows advertising buys you better kudos with journos & thats why these 4x4's are getting gongs from these magazines.
The '09 GV's are far better refined than the models it replaced. Safety alone is a huge improvement. 6 airbags in my new GV compared to 2 airbags in my old '07 GV.
Diesel has never been a big hit here. Mainly of the price which is silly since diesel is cheaper to produce than gasoline. The larger 4x4's were the dominant use of diesel but with the advent of the VW golf & polo diesel & other European cars offering diesel models it is making buyers think twice. I'm sure you're having a good laugh at our fuel prices, but as I say to everyone "We live in the backside of the world..... what do you expect!". Hopefully Suzuki will offer some time down the track a more technological advanced diesel. Maybe someone will offer an after-market intercooler for the GV's..... Here's hoping!
The reason why I buy Suzuki's..... it's easy! They are rugged & dependable. They can go anywhere even where the larger 4x4's can go & still show them up. If you saw our crappy roads, you'd want something rugged to drive. You'll see more refined road SUV's up on hoists out here getting their suspensions fixed. People buy the "wannabes" cos they are comfortable. Since when has any proper 4x4 been comfortable? My old Nissan Bluebirds took a beating on country roads & thats why I gave up on them & stuck with Vitara's
As far as I'm concerned, we here made the right choice of vehicle. I hope that others wanting a proper SUV will see we made the right choice instead of the "wannabes".
-Risky; I agree on absolutely everything with you. But I never laugh at fuel prices, even in other countries Fuel is never cheap enough
-I'm also very glad of my choice, and for our conditions, I think it's the best variant from the lineup. It's also priced right; it costs exactly the same, as the 2.0 petrol model, so people only have to decide, whether they want a diesel or petrol Mind you, the diesel does offer almost twice the torque, so I never even considered the petrol
-For the last two days we've had -18C, -20C here, and the GV still drove like in the summer Could'nt ask for more
-I can't praise the Webasto heater enough! The GV is so nice and warm every morning, before I take off I just wish, that Suzuki makes the Webasto standard equipment for the next model, It's one of the few 4x4s here, that does'nt have it as standard It was the most expensive option, I had installed on my GV, an extra 1.900 euros (installed)
Fuel is never cheap enough -I'm also very glad of my choice, and for our conditions, I think it's the best variant from the lineup. It's also priced right; it costs exactly the same, as the 2.0 petrol model, so people only have to decide, whether they want a diesel or petrol
Mind you, the diesel does offer almost twice the torque, so I never even considered the petrol -For the last two days we've had -18C, -20C here, and the GV still drove like in the summer
Could'nt ask for more -I can't praise the Webasto heater enough! The GV is so nice and warm every morning, before I take off
I just wish, that Suzuki makes the Webasto standard equipment for the next model, It's one of the few 4x4s here, that does'nt have it as standard It was the most expensive option, I had installed on my GV, an extra 1.900 euros (installed) I am happy with my 2006 GV but I do wish they had a better oil filter location and drain plug for the 2.7L and that they had carried over the hydraulic lifters of the 2.7L in the 7 passenger Suzuki SUV. I assumed they were hydraulic. Checking solid lifters does not have to be a big pain but Suzuki also put the inplet plumbing right on top of the valve covers so it is a pain - lots of parts to remove and replace.
Other than these maintenance hassles, I like my GV. I think it has good power and I get about 26 mpg in mixed driving including occasional towing. I have towed over 2,000 lbs with it and thought power was fine. It actually got better when I went 70 mph than when I did 62 mph - being higher in the torque curve more than offset the added air resistance.
Jim
Other than these maintenance hassles, I like my GV. I think it has good power and I get about 26 mpg in mixed driving including occasional towing. I have towed over 2,000 lbs with it and thought power was fine. It actually got better when I went 70 mph than when I did 62 mph - being higher in the torque curve more than offset the added air resistance.
Jim
Happy with my 08 GV LUX overall except for one small thing that bothered me for a bit the sunroof was not tited at all. I felt like my head was on fire in the summer. This was the first car I had that did not come w/ a tinted sunroof. After getting tired of not being able to enjoy the natural light I got it tinted... Great overall vehicle no major regrets
Anyone here have the 17" wheels/tires combo? I should have negotiated that option with the dealer lol.
Lol fingv we still live in the backside of the world here. Fuel prices will always forever be a bugbear for us poor motorists.
Our summer temps during the past week have been anywhere between 25C-32C but at night with the high humidity it's around 22C-25C. I went to the beach early this morning for a swim & even when I dried off I started sweating again! The only thing that's annoying the crap out of me is that we have a plague of poisonous spiders in our area. I nearly got bitten last night by a very large female mouse that was sitting just above the light switch while I switched it on. It scared the living daylights out of me. Not to mention I've killed a dozen red-back spiders this past week. I was bitten by one several years ago while I was asleep & it wasn't fun I'll tell you
I'm glad your GV operates well in winter conditions. It says a lot for it's design. Those damn annoying Toyota RAV4 ads saying they are the original SUV are pestering everyone. Hopefully someone will set them straight soon. They should have properly done their research before they boasted.
Back to spider killing.....
Our summer temps during the past week have been anywhere between 25C-32C but at night with the high humidity it's around 22C-25C. I went to the beach early this morning for a swim & even when I dried off I started sweating again! The only thing that's annoying the crap out of me is that we have a plague of poisonous spiders in our area. I nearly got bitten last night by a very large female mouse that was sitting just above the light switch while I switched it on. It scared the living daylights out of me. Not to mention I've killed a dozen red-back spiders this past week. I was bitten by one several years ago while I was asleep & it wasn't fun I'll tell you
I'm glad your GV operates well in winter conditions. It says a lot for it's design. Those damn annoying Toyota RAV4 ads saying they are the original SUV are pestering everyone. Hopefully someone will set them straight soon. They should have properly done their research before they boasted.
Back to spider killing.....
No regrets. I also have a 2004 Honda Civic which I bought new. The initial quality and ongoing reliability of my 2007 GV has been just as good as the Honda. I find that impressive and after 27K miles there have been no issues requiring warranty service.
Specific likes: The full time AWD mode so the wife doesn't have to mess with the transfer case yet I can lock it in when the snow gets real deep. And the GV is a tank in snow and that's a requirement here. The power of the 2.7 V-6 is adequate for our needs. The Aisin-Warner 5 speed automatic is the very first slush box that I can live with. I generally hate automatics and prefer a stick shift. But this AW tranny shifts smooth and is nearly always in the right gear and stays on the engine's torque curve. And the design of the shifter gives me the easy capability to manually downshift if needed. I don't mind the firm ride that others complain about. In fact, I prefer it. After all, this is an off road capable SUV. The suspension HAS to be taunt and firm. If you wanted a "mall cruiser" SUV then get a RAV-4 or CRV.
Specific dislikes: The already mentioned oil filter location. The sound quality of the stock audio system quite frankly sucks. That will get upgraded someday but isn't a priority. The TPM system needs more design work. It's too sensitive and I discovered that you can "fool" it into turning on the fault light. First, I've had it set a fault when the tires are just 2 PSI low. That can even happen when the ambient temperature falls to near 10 degrees F. I overcame this design fault by bumping up the tires to 35 PSI cold rather than 32 PSI cold. And with a full rated load of passengers and cargo the TPM is fooled by the additional "squat" of rear tires even though they are inflated to the correct PSI. There is no fix for this until you remove the additional load and then the TPM system resets itself.
Specific likes: The full time AWD mode so the wife doesn't have to mess with the transfer case yet I can lock it in when the snow gets real deep. And the GV is a tank in snow and that's a requirement here. The power of the 2.7 V-6 is adequate for our needs. The Aisin-Warner 5 speed automatic is the very first slush box that I can live with. I generally hate automatics and prefer a stick shift. But this AW tranny shifts smooth and is nearly always in the right gear and stays on the engine's torque curve. And the design of the shifter gives me the easy capability to manually downshift if needed. I don't mind the firm ride that others complain about. In fact, I prefer it. After all, this is an off road capable SUV. The suspension HAS to be taunt and firm. If you wanted a "mall cruiser" SUV then get a RAV-4 or CRV.
Specific dislikes: The already mentioned oil filter location. The sound quality of the stock audio system quite frankly sucks. That will get upgraded someday but isn't a priority. The TPM system needs more design work. It's too sensitive and I discovered that you can "fool" it into turning on the fault light. First, I've had it set a fault when the tires are just 2 PSI low. That can even happen when the ambient temperature falls to near 10 degrees F. I overcame this design fault by bumping up the tires to 35 PSI cold rather than 32 PSI cold. And with a full rated load of passengers and cargo the TPM is fooled by the additional "squat" of rear tires even though they are inflated to the correct PSI. There is no fix for this until you remove the additional load and then the TPM system resets itself.
:lol: GV1888 I'll stick to living in God's country down under with it's weather, beer & nice looking girls. The only time I go to the UK is to visit rellies during Sept-Oct periods. Mind you another trip is due as I haven't been for a while. There's plenty of nutters who don't know how to drive & don't know their vehicles. Just keep smiling mate cos you're driving a better vehicle & you know how to handle it.
Don't worry about those spiders..... I deal with them my way & they have a very short life expectancy when they hit my place!
We have Bridgestone Dueler H/T as OEM's on our GV's. They are absolute rubbish tyres & will last about 20,000kms before replacement. I had Dunlop Grandtrek AT2 215/65R16's on my 1997 Suzuki SV420G Type3 Vitara JLX 3dr Auto 3sp plus o/drive 4wd 2.0iL & it made a huge difference after the OEM Bridgestones. The tread lasted a hell of a lot longer, they stick to the road in all conditions & off-road on gravel, mud & dust they were brilliant. Suzuki should look at tyres like these as standard equipment. It's a 50/50 tyre.
Anyway Axe Man glad you're enjoying your GV. You're right about those who whine that the GV doesn't have a softer ride. In Australia cars need a stiffer ride over our roads. I always suggest to those who want a car-like suspensioned SUV is to get a wannabe like the RAV4 or simply go bounce on their bed! Obviously those people know nothing about proper SUV's. Next thing you'll know is they'll whine that earth movers need softer suspensions :lol:
It's 26°C here & very humid. We had a late evening shower out our way last night & it's very sticky today because of it. I shall be heading to the beach later
Don't worry about those spiders..... I deal with them my way & they have a very short life expectancy when they hit my place!
We have Bridgestone Dueler H/T as OEM's on our GV's. They are absolute rubbish tyres & will last about 20,000kms before replacement. I had Dunlop Grandtrek AT2 215/65R16's on my 1997 Suzuki SV420G Type3 Vitara JLX 3dr Auto 3sp plus o/drive 4wd 2.0iL & it made a huge difference after the OEM Bridgestones. The tread lasted a hell of a lot longer, they stick to the road in all conditions & off-road on gravel, mud & dust they were brilliant. Suzuki should look at tyres like these as standard equipment. It's a 50/50 tyre.
Anyway Axe Man glad you're enjoying your GV. You're right about those who whine that the GV doesn't have a softer ride. In Australia cars need a stiffer ride over our roads. I always suggest to those who want a car-like suspensioned SUV is to get a wannabe like the RAV4 or simply go bounce on their bed! Obviously those people know nothing about proper SUV's. Next thing you'll know is they'll whine that earth movers need softer suspensions :lol:
It's 26°C here & very humid. We had a late evening shower out our way last night & it's very sticky today because of it. I shall be heading to the beach later
-Risky; I must have been totally blind!
-The diesel GV does have both, a turbo and intercooler! What confused me, and the service guy I asked about this earlier, was the way it is mounted.
-There is actually a huge (radiator size) intercooler in front of the A/C condenser and radiator. The pressured air hoses are located so low and behind everything else, that it's almost impossible to see them.
-Another dealer service professional showed them to me, and also explained, what the other gadgets do in the engine bay. It was a half an hour well spent!
-This means, that the diesel engine in the GV (and Renault) is a very modern unit, and is just very mildly tuned, compared to other makes. Therefore, the engine should not be keeping anyone from buying one.
-BTW, on last saturday, I saw the first 2009 DDiS, that had been chiptuned The owner showed me the dyno papers, and there was 156Hp/3910rpm v the claimed original 130Hp/4000rpm, and 359Nm/1890rpm v the claimed original 300Nm/2000. And all this just from a new ECU chip! The model he used, required the soldered chip swap, but there are "plug-in" versions available also. I will keep mine stock at least as long there is warranty.
-The diesel GV does have both, a turbo and intercooler! What confused me, and the service guy I asked about this earlier, was the way it is mounted.
-There is actually a huge (radiator size) intercooler in front of the A/C condenser and radiator. The pressured air hoses are located so low and behind everything else, that it's almost impossible to see them.
-Another dealer service professional showed them to me, and also explained, what the other gadgets do in the engine bay. It was a half an hour well spent!
-This means, that the diesel engine in the GV (and Renault) is a very modern unit, and is just very mildly tuned, compared to other makes. Therefore, the engine should not be keeping anyone from buying one.
-BTW, on last saturday, I saw the first 2009 DDiS, that had been chiptuned
The owner showed me the dyno papers, and there was 156Hp/3910rpm v the claimed original 130Hp/4000rpm, and 359Nm/1890rpm v the claimed original 300Nm/2000. And all this just from a new ECU chip! The model he used, required the soldered chip swap, but there are "plug-in" versions available also. I will keep mine stock at least as long there is warranty.
Lol fingv we both learn something new everyday!
I wonder how long the chiptuned GV will last before things start going on it.
Is the Renault diesel & GV diesel exactly the same in specs & power? I would assume the Renault unit would be slightly more powerful so they can sell more of their brand.
Sounds like the guy you spoke to knows his stuff.... make sure you go back to him for more info & any probs you might get.
Hmm I wonder if there's a kit to install the 3.2L V6 in the 3dr model..... that would give it a bit of grunt! But again I guess I'm dreaming.
Just off-topic for a sec, the bush fires in Victoria have been absolutely terrible with a great loss of life & small towns now scorched off the map. The fires were going that fast people that were escaping were burnt alive in their cars as they were escaping as you may see in footage. A friend of mine who lives down that way has lost everything she owns so we're organising help for her (not everything she had was insured). This is the highest lost of life & property in our peacetime history.
I wonder how long the chiptuned GV will last before things start going on it.
Is the Renault diesel & GV diesel exactly the same in specs & power? I would assume the Renault unit would be slightly more powerful so they can sell more of their brand.
Sounds like the guy you spoke to knows his stuff.... make sure you go back to him for more info & any probs you might get.
Hmm I wonder if there's a kit to install the 3.2L V6 in the 3dr model..... that would give it a bit of grunt! But again I guess I'm dreaming.
Just off-topic for a sec, the bush fires in Victoria have been absolutely terrible with a great loss of life & small towns now scorched off the map. The fires were going that fast people that were escaping were burnt alive in their cars as they were escaping as you may see in footage. A friend of mine who lives down that way has lost everything she owns so we're organising help for her (not everything she had was insured). This is the highest lost of life & property in our peacetime history.
-The diesel engine in the GV is exactly the same unit, found in the Renault Scenic 1.9dCi automatic. It even has the same ECU and DPF filter. The company, that made the chiptuning for the guy, I met, confirmed this and they had performed the same tuning for Renault engines also.
-As for chiptuning in general, I have watched some of my colleagues at work do chiptuning on their diesel cars, and some of them have had some problems after tuning. The Opel (Vauxhall) Vectra 1.9DTi of one 20-year old girl burned some holes into the pistons Others have no problems, like a BMW 530dA, that my friend drives. It has covered over 60k miles after adding 45hp and 115Nm to the already powerful 6-cyl turbodiesel
-I will propably not do any chiptuning on any of my vehicles now, or in the future, just to keep things reliable
-BTW, the dyno, the guy's GV was dyno'ed on, also recorded the power distribution! According to the fact sheet, it was 48,14% front / 51,86% rear (measured after the chip swap). Pretty close to the factory claimed 47/53? They use the same dyno to measure 4wd Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Lancer evos, Nissan GTRs and other similar cars with variable power distribution or active diffs, so it should be quite reliable?
-I've been watching the bush fires on the news, and I can't even imagine, what it's like to lose everything you own, especially, if the fire has been started by a pyromaniac like most of them apparently are?
-God, I hate people that do stupid things like that!
-Hope you get lots of voulenteers to help the needy! Take care
-As for chiptuning in general, I have watched some of my colleagues at work do chiptuning on their diesel cars, and some of them have had some problems after tuning. The Opel (Vauxhall) Vectra 1.9DTi of one 20-year old girl burned some holes into the pistons
Others have no problems, like a BMW 530dA, that my friend drives. It has covered over 60k miles after adding 45hp and 115Nm to the already powerful 6-cyl turbodiesel -I will propably not do any chiptuning on any of my vehicles now, or in the future, just to keep things reliable
-BTW, the dyno, the guy's GV was dyno'ed on, also recorded the power distribution!
According to the fact sheet, it was 48,14% front / 51,86% rear (measured after the chip swap). Pretty close to the factory claimed 47/53? They use the same dyno to measure 4wd Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Lancer evos, Nissan GTRs and other similar cars with variable power distribution or active diffs, so it should be quite reliable? -I've been watching the bush fires on the news, and I can't even imagine, what it's like to lose everything you own, especially, if the fire has been started by a pyromaniac like most of them apparently are?
-God, I hate people that do stupid things like that!
-Hope you get lots of voulenteers to help the needy! Take care
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