Got a new daily - possible regret?
Giving the 2003 X5 a time-out while I address a valve cover gasket oil leak, needed a daily that could handle my country driveway in the winter, is reliable, decent on gas and CHEAP.
Just got back today driving this from Winnipeg. 2012 Suzuki SX4. 6 speed manual, 2" lift, BFG KOs, nice head unit, back up camera etc.
PROS:
- Good fuel economy city driving, 9L/100km.
- Lots of head room.
- Button for FWD, Auto, or 4 lock.
- Good traction. My 3/4 ton 4x4 and the X5 have studded winters, but this thing likely won't need them unless it's an ice situation.
- I expect it to be reliable.
- Um, it's a lifted Suzuki, it looks cool.
CONS:
- I've never driven a slower car, including my 1988 4L Jeep cherokee. A very modest grade requires downshifting to maintain 100km/h.
- Highway fuel economy is worse then city, likely from the lift and tires. 12.5l/100km at 120km/h. Flat.
- Gearing for snow/off road. I tried climbing a 25% grade snowy hill in my yard with 4 locked and TC off. Floored in 1st gear, the traction overpowered the engine and dropped rpm from 5000rpm to idle. The power/gear seems to be the limit for getting through or up snow.
I'll drive it for a while to decide if I can handle how gutless it is while I'm getting the X5 oil leak fixed. If anyone wants to get on a list for buying it if I sell it, reply here.
Subaru Justy for comparison.
Ground clearance (side and rear):
Last edited by Ekliptix; 01-26-2019 at 01:42 PM.
Current Cars:
2019 BMW X3 M40i Stage 2, 12.44 at 110mph
1972 Chevy Super Cheyenne C10 Pickup 402 big block, 700R4
2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1L
Past Cars:
1970 Chevy Blazer, 2wd
2003 BMW X5 4.6IS Doushmobile, moneypit
2015 Ford Fiesta ST | Cobb Stage 1, catless downpipe
2008 Corvette Z06 - 11.39 at 123.8mph
2002 Corvette Z06 - 12.10 at 116.5mph
2005 Jeep Wrangler LJ
1993 5L Mustang - 12.59 at 108mph
1989 5L Mustang
1990 Jeep Cherokee
1991 Acura Integra RS 403Honda