WagoneerSX4
Adventurer
I figured I've been on here long enough, I might as well start my own build page. My story starts off with the age-old question on here - What's a good daily driver vehicle that can still get me WAAAAAAAY into nature? I knew I didn't want a truck or any large vehicle. I wanted something manual, 4x4/AWD, fun to drive, as close to 30mpg HWY as I could get, could handle a RTT on the roof, and wouldn't break the bank. The choice in Canada for that is VERY slim. I basically had a Subaru impreza, Pontiac vibe AWD (yuck), Toyota Matrix AWD (same thing as a vibe), or a couple of small SUV's. I didn't want any compact SUV's because all of them were either horribly boring to drive, no manual, or way too girly of a vehicle. I test drove everything (even some cars that weren't even in the same class) just to get a wide idea of what I like. I still think if I went out and shopped today, I would buy the exact same car. I did a lot of research not only about the vehicles, but also for aftermarket parts to suit my off-road needs a bit better. So I'm pretty sure I made the right choice. Here's what I chose (I'll explain why later):
2011 Suzuki SX4 AWD 6 speed - loaded with everything but seat heaters (because apparently you can't get them with the 6spd manual - yeah, explain that one). Here's some basic info on the vehicle:
-2.0L 4cyl engine with 150bhp/143tq. Relatively low compression so it'll run on ******** gas if need-be.
-AWD with lockable center coupler with full FWD mode, iAWD (90% torque to the front until ABS sensors see wheel slip then send up to 50% to the rear), and full LOCK (essentially locks the electronic center coupler/clutchpack)
-fold flat seats with false floor
-tons of standard equipment that usually isn't found in this class of vehicle
Here are the current list of modifications:
Suspension/wheels/tires
-Rocky Road Outfitters 2.25" lift kit with rear shock relocation brackets
-Wheel spacers - 20mm front, 30mm rear
-Focal X 15x6.5" et38 satin black
-215/75/15 General Grabber AT2
-rear monroe sensetrac shocks
Engine
-Dynotronics ECU remap
Electronics
-8" touchscreen chinese DVD/NAV/BT head unit
-8" MTX powered subwoofer under false floor w/ remote
-Cobra 19DXIV CB
-Firestik 3' NGP fireberglass CB antenna
-added rear 12V outlet in trunk
Exterior
-LED tail lights
-7.5w cree LED reverse lights
-4 Hella 500FF's on custom light bar
-OEM roof crossbars
-OEM snowboard racks
-OEM rear spoiler w/ extension
-20% tinted windows all around
-debadged
-rear bumper top protector
-Curt receiver hitch
I chose this car for a variety of reasons. It's fun to drive, has a really slick AWD system, basically bulletproof in terms of quality, good price/value ratio, and had the right availability of aftermarket parts to make it a little more capable off the beaten path. The car is a tank, so I knew it would take the abuse I would put it through. In stock form it's rated just over 30mpg highway, and it ACTUALLY achieves and beats it's EPA fuel economy ratings (show me another car on the market where the manufacturer was honest about mileage). It's a car that I knew I wouldn't be crying at the pumps every week while I'm using it as a DD (I get 22-24mpg in the city and 28-30mpg on the highway even in it's modified state), can carry my dogs to the dog park with ease, and the most important thing, it's UNIQUE. I hate owning a mainstream vehicle that a million other people.
So onto the good stuff! Here it is when I brought it home with 11km on it (including the trip home)!
Suspension lift went on with less than 10,000km on the odo.
Rear shock relocation brackets installed
Strut spacers installed
Light bar installed (minor trimming of the grill was needed)
After 10,000km I replaced the rear diff fluid to synthetic (was already syrop already) and at 20,000km I replaced all other driveline fluids to synthetic as well.
Stereo installed
Subwoofer tucked away under the false floor
Curt hitch installed
LED reverse light comparison
Primitive racing front and rear skid plates installed
Here she is enjoying the Canadian winters (haven't gotten stuck yet!)
Just some fun trying to get up a parking lot ramp after a VERY bad icestorm
Pretty much the finished product (without the wheel spacers):
LED tails
2011 Suzuki SX4 AWD 6 speed - loaded with everything but seat heaters (because apparently you can't get them with the 6spd manual - yeah, explain that one). Here's some basic info on the vehicle:
-2.0L 4cyl engine with 150bhp/143tq. Relatively low compression so it'll run on ******** gas if need-be.
-AWD with lockable center coupler with full FWD mode, iAWD (90% torque to the front until ABS sensors see wheel slip then send up to 50% to the rear), and full LOCK (essentially locks the electronic center coupler/clutchpack)
-fold flat seats with false floor
-tons of standard equipment that usually isn't found in this class of vehicle
Here are the current list of modifications:
Suspension/wheels/tires
-Rocky Road Outfitters 2.25" lift kit with rear shock relocation brackets
-Wheel spacers - 20mm front, 30mm rear
-Focal X 15x6.5" et38 satin black
-215/75/15 General Grabber AT2
-rear monroe sensetrac shocks
Engine
-Dynotronics ECU remap
Electronics
-8" touchscreen chinese DVD/NAV/BT head unit
-8" MTX powered subwoofer under false floor w/ remote
-Cobra 19DXIV CB
-Firestik 3' NGP fireberglass CB antenna
-added rear 12V outlet in trunk
Exterior
-LED tail lights
-7.5w cree LED reverse lights
-4 Hella 500FF's on custom light bar
-OEM roof crossbars
-OEM snowboard racks
-OEM rear spoiler w/ extension
-20% tinted windows all around
-debadged
-rear bumper top protector
-Curt receiver hitch
I chose this car for a variety of reasons. It's fun to drive, has a really slick AWD system, basically bulletproof in terms of quality, good price/value ratio, and had the right availability of aftermarket parts to make it a little more capable off the beaten path. The car is a tank, so I knew it would take the abuse I would put it through. In stock form it's rated just over 30mpg highway, and it ACTUALLY achieves and beats it's EPA fuel economy ratings (show me another car on the market where the manufacturer was honest about mileage). It's a car that I knew I wouldn't be crying at the pumps every week while I'm using it as a DD (I get 22-24mpg in the city and 28-30mpg on the highway even in it's modified state), can carry my dogs to the dog park with ease, and the most important thing, it's UNIQUE. I hate owning a mainstream vehicle that a million other people.
So onto the good stuff! Here it is when I brought it home with 11km on it (including the trip home)!
Suspension lift went on with less than 10,000km on the odo.
Rear shock relocation brackets installed
Strut spacers installed
Light bar installed (minor trimming of the grill was needed)
After 10,000km I replaced the rear diff fluid to synthetic (was already syrop already) and at 20,000km I replaced all other driveline fluids to synthetic as well.
Stereo installed
Subwoofer tucked away under the false floor
Curt hitch installed
LED reverse light comparison
Primitive racing front and rear skid plates installed
Here she is enjoying the Canadian winters (haven't gotten stuck yet!)
Just some fun trying to get up a parking lot ramp after a VERY bad icestorm
Pretty much the finished product (without the wheel spacers):
LED tails