Suzuki Problems

Suzuki's second-generation XL7 was built by General Motors in Ontario, Canada from 2006-2009.

Check the fuel supply, the fuel pump, lines, filter, and consider having a diagnostic check done by a dealer.

I assume you want to buy a new car, so I would suggest a Suzuki Grand Vitara. It too is small, but you sit up high, and it’s a good car.

It is likely to be the fuel vaporising after you turn the engine off, it’s called hot soak. Look for anything that might be causing the fuel to heat up and vaporise anywhere between the fuel tank and the engine.

Check the fuel pump; also make sure the fuel return line is working.

Kia has a seven-year warranty. Holden, Ford, Hyundai and Mazda have five-year warranties. Toyota is currently three years, but is going to five. Look at the small models from those carmakers and you’ll find models to fit your budget.

The best times to buy are usually the end of the financial year, or at model run-out times, that's when the specials are on. The CVT and dual-clutch autos are both still unknowns in terms of long-term reliability, but either should be ok over the five years you plan to keep the car. Any of the cars you list, and the list is a long one, would be ok. It really comes down to what you like.

They're not the best car in the class but, so long as they're properly looked after, the Suzuki XL7 shouldn't be any more unreliable than another mid-size SUV. Personally I'd look at other 7-seat options like the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Tribeca, or Hyundai Santa Fe.

Both are good cars and should give you reliable motoring for many years to come. The servicing costs are similar. The Hyundai is only three years old and has only done minimal kilometres, so should by in near-new condition if it has been looked after and well serviced. Against that the Baleno is new and has a five-year warranty.

There is no reason to think that you would need to change either car within the period you mention.

No doubt there are 4WDs available for $3100, but they will be old, worn out, and probably unroadworthy. Try something like a 2000-2001 Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, or Suzuki Grand Vitara, and buy the best one you can find.

If you're after a mid-size 7-seat SUV there are far better options to look into than Suzuki's XL-7, including models from Subaru, Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Part of the Suzuki's problems stem from the poor build quality that came from having General Motors' Canadian plant construct the XL-7.