Suzuki Liana

The Suzuki Liana is a spacious, reasonably cheap to buy, strongly built car. Unlike Clarkson's mates I drive mine on the road and I'm satisfied with the power and economy. Mine is the better looking hatchback with a good paint finish. It does about 14 miles per litre on the motorway and half that round town. It has a digital dash and a temp. gauge which never moves above halfway, even though the engine might be too hot; a fact that will not be recorded by the ECU. So you can be destroying your head gasket without even knowing. Mine cost £1000. Oh, and your cat. will also go in the process (£162 from BuypartsBuy). The drive is VERY choppy but it keeps me alert. DO NOT BUY any 2002 or 2003 model as 5th gear tends to jump out under load; like overtaking on the motorway!!!This is because these models have the Baleno gearbox so Suzuki knew about the problem but did nothing about it until 2004. It is not a quick fix and has nothing to do with detent springs. Either bite the bullet on the cost or keep in 4th gear. If you MUST have a Suzuki Liana get the hatchback GL (I don't like aircon) from 2004 on and negotiate a 3 year warranty before other sales gimmicks, with the dealer. On Suzuki Forums these cars are loved by many owners particularly in America. Finally, there is no workshop manual to be had, which is a shame because the position of the thermostat remains a mystery; NOT IN BLOCK ON END OF TOP HOSE. If, as I think, it's behind the engine then there's no access either way.