Sir if you are looking for an upgrade to 2.4 that would be very nice for you. Seeing all your threads, you really do utilize this vehicle well.
I did find it a bit under powered, but its really ok for me for now,once you start playing with the gearbox, it is fine, but yeah up in the Himalayas once the air becomes thinner, this engine will be cumbersome to overtake in. Dunno yet though you can shed more light.
Also, this is a very specific question since you have done this mnore than a few times, isnt Tandi (Beforer Keylong) to Leh abouit 450 Kms? So if I tank up at Tandi, how much fuel were you left with while at Leh. Going by my Goa ride, I was at 3/4th tank in about 470Kms, but thats the plains also, and a highway, I am sure it will consume more up there. Did you keep a spare jerry can of petrol or it had the milage to cover that distance at that altitude? maybe I should ask this question in one of your threads.
Also, though I did not get time to take her to the beach at Arambol, I was quite sure she could be driven on the sand wiuthout a fuss. Anyhow I did get time to clim up a hill next to Little Vagator, no I did not even need to use the 4Lock at all, just the torque and Ground clearance was enough to get up there, after about an Hour up there a Audi Q5 decided to join us, but I was glad to see someone else also try the hill, the view was amazing.
The best thing about the Grand Vitara I noticed is that if you ever cross one on the road, you are sure to exchange a smile with the other driver, I don't know what it is, I crossed a silver one on my way back and there was a smile and a wave and now I see a black one around my house too
Oh yeah ! also crossed some Desert Storm Official on the way, and waved out to 'em
it was a land cruiser, I don't know who it was exactly.
Also someone termed the car as a
Bad roader, and couldn't be more right, there is a patch after one gets off the NH4 towards Amboli ghat which is a broken bad road, and really the GV is a bliss to drive here, really takes on the bad road with pride, I realized this when I saw oither were doiung a mere 20Kms, those include Scorpios and Pajeros and I could cruise close to 60 odd. Handling is brilliant there, she does come into her own.
Anyhow here are some more pics:
Thanks a lot for reading and replying
Have a nice day
MODS: if you think it is turning out more into an ownership report please move the thread/post there then.
As I intend to update it often. Thank you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sudev Have been silently following this thread so far.
Once you get beyond the instant gratification of cost per tank full of fuel (a.k.a. petrol vs diesel) GV is fine vehicle indeed. The only other vehicle which runs more planted is the Forester. I am partial towards GV because I have taken it to places and through tracks that many a off-roader warrior would not try. Rock stable reliability, utilitarian luxury and low maintenance costs gives me a perfect vehicle for my needs.
I am going to be looking for another vehicle later this year / early next year as my current one would be five year old. GV is still the top of list contender.
Best of luck in finding a good second hand piece. If you do not pick it up do give me a buzz/PM |