hey guy I am considering buying a 2003 2004 GV with the v6 but which one is better the 2.5 or the 2.7 and are they as relable as my 1.6 in my sidekick.

Thanks for the info Dustin

The 2.7L was only available in the XL7's...if you didn't know that.

We like our 2.5L.  It's a bit of a rev motor but it's got LOTS of power compared to my older Trackers.  Can't imagine driving a 4-door Vitara or Tracker with a 4-cyl.  Reliability seems to good.  Regular oil changes with synthetic 5w30 are the key and you shouldn't have any issues.

I did not know the 2.7 was only in the xl7 but the syntheic oil is all I use anyways
thanks again for the info

I'm super happy with how reliable my Grand Vitara has been. You don't see very many people diagnosing major problems on this forum. I have 110,000 kms on my 2.5 v6 GV and the only thing I've done is maintenance (synth 5w30, filters, spark plugs etc).... right now it feels/drives great! I can't say the same about other vehicles I've owned in the past.

I've got the 4 door, 2.0L 4 cyl and it is a bit lacking but it is still quite driveable.  The biggest problem I have is that the gearbox doesn't quite fit the engine, you have to rev very high in 1st to have power when you get to 2nd.  But talking to a friend it sounds like they may have fixed that when they did the update in about 2002.  I have to say I'm a bit worried about putting bigger tyres on it, even if it is only 5-7% bigger.

Anyway back to V6, I've heard the same thing about it, good oil and regular changes is a must for that engine and it should keep going strong.  Something outside of the engine to check is if it has a steel or aluminium front diff if you are thinking of using it for more serious off road work (bigger tyres etc.) it might be a factor.

While on the topic, can anyone tell me what the GV diesel engines are like?  We don't get them in Australia.  (sorry for hijacking the thread)

mine is a 04 2.5L and i would not touch the 2l 4cyl model, most zuks are designed to rev hard and still keep kicking, if u add bigger tyres just fit extractors ,exhust and snorkel plus a unifilter and this should make it get up and boogie!!!

as for the diesels willhl is right we dont get the diesel here in aus but i here its a 1.9 pug with figures of 7L per 100ks, wouldnt that be nice, plus the sexy bonnet scoop

red one mine , silver one diesel.

as for the diesels willhl is right we dont get the diesel here in aus but i here its a 1.9 pug 

Depends on the year. Mazda 2.0, Peugeot 1.9, Peugeot 2.0, Renault 1.9

199,996 as of this A.M. on my 99' 2.5. Never been apart and still purring. Couldn't be happier. 

Novadon,

Wow...you've got almost 200,000 miles on your 1999 5 speed?  Damn....I thought I had a lot at 127,000 (really, I've got well over 130,000 when you figure that I've been running larger tires for several years).  Anyway, have you replaced the clutch yet?  Any other major issues?  My front diff started leaking a few weeks ago.  I won't be using 4wd 'til I get it fixed, and it's gonna be a while.  It's leaking pretty good.  Anyway...take it easy.

Hey Davyboy! I hear ya'! I'm extremely lucky so far! I bought the Zuki from a lady friend that worked for me for years.  She bought it new, did 3K oil & filter changes and racked up the miles driving a long distance to work each day, all hwy. It's never even been off road. Still has the original clutch too! Hard to believe. The ONLY issue with it is a small oil leak at the front of the engine,  but it doesn't even amount to a half quart of oil btwn changes, and I haven't even bothered to investigate the specific origin. Probably the front seal or timing chain cover gasket. The throttle cable was replaced and one ignition coil pack. Still sports the original front rotors (which are getting thin). It's my 1st Zuki and I must say that I'm impressed with the overall quality of the car as well. Still tight and a blast to drive.  The front seat foam is shot at the back hip area as I can feel the frame portion of the seat wanting to poke through. I'm so excited about keeping this car forever, that I scored a set of primo leather seats, front and back,  from a wrecked 60K 2000' GV Limited off e-bay for $350 that are going in next. You can see the car here...
http://community.webshots.com/user/maxturbo


In the Zuki album you'll also see some detailed timing chain replacement pics that I'm saving "just in case".