So Why The Kizashi

[paininthenuts]

Just wondered why people bought the Kizi, and how they even knew of it's existence.

Here is my story. I have a friend who is a Suzuki executive and is now on his 3rd Kizi. He got his first one about 2 years ago, and I couldn't help commenting on it. He told me about all the toys it had, and the fact it goes like a bat out of hell. At which point I should let everyone know that a 2.4 petrol engined car is quite rare in the UK these days. I was really taken taken with it, but at £23k it was out of my price range. That said, a 4 wheel drive executive car with all that spec, £23k is very cheap. By coincidence we had a new couple move in next door in January, he is a manger of a Suzuki dealership. Whilst talking through the range I told him how much I liked the Kizi. He told me that Suzuki had failed to market the car in the Uk and the last dozen or so have been sold to non franchise dealers and are going cheap. I wanted a white one, and tracked one down in Wales. I got it new for £14k.

I had no intention on buying a new car at that point, but knew if I didn't go for it I would regret it. The wife didn't talk to me for a few weeks afterwards, but I am used to such behavior anyway. I haven't looked back !!

[nytq]

I really wanted an AWD sedan on a budget. Happened to see one at a fair about a year earlier and was shocked that it was a Suzuki. When I started shopping, my first queries were for an AWD 4 door vehicle, and BAAM! the Kizashi showed up, along with AUDI, BMW, and a slew of other luxury automobiles, oh yeah and a bunch of boring Subaru's. Took a test drive, got the price I wanted. Took it home. 82K miles later, the car is a gem. I would definitely get another if Suzuki hadn't bailed.

[fjroman2]

I saw one one day in town...it was red, very nice looking. I had absolutely no idea what it was...just that it had a weird name. I went home and did some research and became quite interested, especially because it was AWD. I think that was either early 2011 or late 2010. I had a 2007 Mazda 3 that I liked, but wasn't super happy with...so I kept peeking at the Kizy every chance I got. I even posted my car for sale on Craigslist a few times...just to gauge interest. At the time, my Mazda dealer also had a Suzuki dealer, so I went and drove one (Black 2012 GTS)...I really liked it...but they weren't offering me a fair trade on my Mazda, so I passed. I tried another dealer that had a used 2011 SLS, but they were giving me less for my trade...I gave up thinking my Mazda was just not worth what I thought it was.

Move ahead to late 2012. We have friends that live in Albany, NY, and they had a huge Suzuki dealer...we visited our friends quite often, so when we were up there I would go to see what they had. Finally...in December 2012, after Suzuki said they were pulling out, I went and tried again. They had a 2013 SLS (exec car with 1,700 miles on it). They were offering the $7k rebate and a further discount for the miles...AND, they gave me a really fair trade. I got a basically new SLS for about $22k...absolutely couldn't pass up on that deal...

[Speed_Racer]

I think I first saw one at an auto show or in a magazine ad. I found it looked really sharp, very Audi A4-esque. But as it was 100% Japanese Suzuki, I was sure it'd be more reliable than an Audi (see my thread about my SV). I grabbed a sales brochure and just held on to it (I still have it today). I didn't expect to ever own one as they were new and I was still in college.

Fast forward a few years to my first job. I had been having a lot of trouble with my cars at the time and was looking to buy something with a warranty. I dropped by a local Hyundai/Kia dealer to browse and there was a red GTS AWD in the pre-owned lot. I said "what the hell" and took it for a test drive. Surprisingly, I hated the CVT experience so that was that.

I went home that night and browsed autotrader for Kizashis. Lo and behold, a 6MT GTS for sale on the other side of town. I went out the following night for a test drive and I loved it. Compared to my 90 HP Trooper, it was a smooth quiet rocketship haha. I signed the papers two days later.

[bootymac]

I knew about the Kizashi from the positive reviews it received from journalists but I had no intention on buying one. Then Suzuki Canada started offering huge rebates and the rest is history

[KansasKid]

My dad found Azumi as a "used" 2011 SE at the dealership with 127 miles. I basically purchased a brand new car with AWD for under $20K USD that wasn't a base model Civic/Corolla/Focus/etc. (not AWD and too common) or a Subaru (much, much more expensive). I wasn't that impressed with the dealership nor guy that sold me the car, a car salesman by the name of "Carl Carlton" ironically enough, but lucky for him, the car basically sold itself. I've been super pleased with my Kizashi so far, over 20K miles later.

I originally purchased Azumi under the assumption that it'd become my wife's daily driver. Now, two years later, I'm in the market for a 6MT Kizashi with more bells and whistles, once I get more money. Unless I can find something with a 6MT and a turbocharged engine that's about the same price as the Kizashies I've been looking at. It'd probably happen faster if I'd stop being a fatty and going to eat out so much.

[FrankoLaMoya]

I was looking for an AWD car and I did not want an Audi or BMW. I had 2 Audi Quattro in the past and they were fun to drive, but not reliable. I found the Kizashi online and I loved the look of it. I read all the reviews and they were all 95% positive. I test drove a Subaru Legacy and did not enjoy it. I test drove a WRX and it I liked it, but too expensive for what it was. I test drove a Kizashi and bought it right on the spot (after 2-3 hours of negociation). It was the best bang for my buck especially with all the features (I got the biggest model in Canada) He finally told me : Well I am only selling it to you at this price because I want other people to see the car and buy one. I still love my Kizashi and I am close to 40 000 km.

[golftango]

Because I could get a 6MT, 2013 with 16K miles for $9500 out the door. And I really like the looks of the Kizashi and enjoyed the test drive.

[sx4rocious]

Bought an SX4, loved it. Someone on the SX4 forums discussed his recent Kizashi purchase and I began doing research on it. Found one in the 6MT and surprised my wife by trading in her boring and recall ridden HHR for it for mother's day in 2012. She loves it given it's ALMOST as sexy as she is, now she hardly ever lets me drive it...

[Woodie]

Because I could get a 6MT, 2013 with 16K miles for $9500 out the door.

Wow, you stole it! Congratulations.

My boss provided me with an 89 GEO Metro in January of 90. I wrecked it in October of 95 with 210K miles on it, not bad for a three cylinder. Anyway, by then I was absolutely hooked on Suzuki. Had five Metros, a Swift, an Aerio SX, and now my Kizashi. I'd like to get another Kizashi and put it into storage for when this one wears out. I have no idea what I'd get next, been driving Suzuki for 24 years.