2002 Suzuki XL-7 review from North America

A/C compressor locked-up.

Considering the mileage, four different drivers, and the abuse of constant urban operation, this vehicle has been and continues to be reliable.

It's not comfortable to drive long distances for anyone six foot or over, and the engine lacks power.

Worst aspect of this vehicle is the total lack of dealers in our area. Two local dealers have closed since the vehicle was purchased, and the closest dealer is now 30 miles away.

I am a mechanic by trade, so non-warranty repairs are done at home. The biggest problem to date was the A/C compressor lock-up. This caused the replacement of the compressor, condenser and radiator. The radiator was not related to the repair, but when the condenser was removed, a close inspection of the radiator showed severe damage to the cooling fins from corrosion. The parts were hard to find and the cost ($700.00) was about 20% higher than a comparable American model vehicle. The condenser had to be replaced because the dryer is in the condenser body. This is a stupid design. Even though the dryer bag is replaceable, good luck trying to open the aluminum cover of the tube without destroying it.

The second design flaw uncovered was the aluminum to steel threaded connection between the condenser and the high pressure line at the sight glass. When you remove the condenser, the steel nut strips the soft aluminum connection nut. This leaves the aluminum debris in the steel nut and you strip the new aluminum condenser nut on installation. My fix, cut off both ends, flare and connect with flare union. I can easily see this repair (Locked-up compressor) being quoted and $1200.00 to start and ending up over $3000.00 when complete.