- Hey I have a 2004 Suzuki XL7 automatic with ~180k miles on it. It's pretty beat up as far as body and asthetics but runs pretty well and I've done some maintenance on it e.g oil changes changing brakes and filters etc. Anything to be on the lookout for?
- I use the car as a daily driver and hunting and hopefully getting a better more economical daily driver and relegate it to solely hunting purposes. What would you recommend as an upgrade down the line for similar use. 4x4 and capable/dependable but not massive in size. If I had the money I'd get an older Tacoma I think but hard to find a good deal. Also I like having the 6 seats for hauling around my family as well.
1. The time chain tensioner is the #1 problem area https://repairpal.com/2004-suzuki-xl-7/problems
2. How off-road capable? A RAV4, CRV or Subaru would be comparable to the XL7. There are a lot of 6 seat 4x4 SUVs, but that rules out the economical and not massive requirements
Well my buddy and I already tackled the timing chain. And replaced the tensioner pully unless I am mixing it up with an older car. Tomorrow I'm doing the brakes. It's had a check engine light on since I've had it I think due to a sensor if I remember right.
As far as how capable I don't need it to get me over boulders but I've taken it on roads it definitely had no right to try. I try not to take it on anything too sketchy but it's been known to make it through some mud and slippery areas. I am probably going to pick up a daily driver like a leaf or something else ridiculous and then have a hunting rig. My family has a RAV4 I might try to fix but it has a timing chain issue as well.