Kizashi Club

Hello o' wise ones, new member here in process of truly joining the club. i will be going to look at a
2011 S
AWD cvt
102000
asking $5700
yea or nay and any tips on what i should be looking out for, any suggestions is much appreciated . Thanks

Dealer, Private Party? Seems like an okay price, it's right in the middle for a fair market price from a dealer ($5300 - 6700), but condition will drive this price. You can probably ask if $5300 is acceptable for a purchase price. If this is PP, that's a different story. Private Party prices it around $4400. Test drive it and ask yourself how you like it. Any front end noises, shift smoothly, etc.? Service records? Take a look and report back.

The Kizashi is a relatively reliable vehicle but much like anything else, has its known issues. At that mileage, make sure there isn't anything obviously wrong with the CVT. Check the fluid and see if the condition is good or not. Pay special attention to any whining noises from the transmission. Ideally, the fluid should be changed every 60K.

Also pay special attention to the tires. Are they wearing evenly? Early Kizashis came with bad alignment that wore out the tires unevenly. Make sure this is not an issue with the car.

The Kizashi has a known rear shock issue that required the replacement of the rear bump stopper. How are the rear shocks? Do they squeak when driving over speed bumps or road imperfections? If so, then the rear shocks are likely out and need replacement.

I'd try to get this car for a little lower as Golftango suggested. The Kizashi is a good car but the resale value is dismal and any car dealer knows that.

Thanks for the tips so far, it is private party. Was supposed to see it today, but seller rescheduled for sunday. On listing it just had new brakes,rotors and tires installed to make it pass inspection, will report back! Appreciate you guys giving me the low down. I did test drive another that was traded in at a days Subaru dealership in pa, but they wanted too much so I walked away. Cheers

private party buy at 102k miles...don't let the seller make a big deal out of 'new tires & brakes' or allow that to affect your negotiation. Without a current inspection sticker (with at least 6 months left on it), a car here in PA that one is trying to sell is nearly worthless, unless you're a mechanic.

$4,400 is the max I'd shell out private party depending on how it ran, rode and sounded.

I can't believe these cars are this cheap--makes me want to buy a few spares and retire our primary one.

Did you end up getting it?