Should I buy a Kizashi?

[bo.lalonde]

I live in the US and I have found a great condition 2012 Kizashi SLS AWD with 45k miles and would like to know what to look for before I consider purchasing this car. I know Suzuki has pulled its auto business out of the US but should that be of much concern to me? I love the reliability factor and the AWD ability of this car. I want a good car at a good price but don't want to end up in trouble down the road.
Thanks everyone

[FrankoLaMoya]

This question was answered several times already! JUST BUY IT no seriously the Kizashi is a very unique good looking reliable AWD car for a good price! You should be able to get it for a decent price. Parts will be available and you should not have any major issue for a very very long time anyway...

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2302

[WESHOOT2]

#18145 by WESHOOT2
Mon May 20, 2013 1:05 pm
I was interested in buying a new '13 meself..... I think the car is awesome.
I mean, for the money.


I do not marry them; I drive the crap outta them, use them up, discard them like a cheap whore, then repeat.

Currently 229,153 Kizashi-miles between the two since Dec 23, 2010; hammering continues (I even scared meself this very morn on my snowy ride --extended, natch-- in to work).
Apparently at least I've had good 'luck' with mine.........

[KuroNekko]

The Kizashi is an ideal used car. You can get one cheap, but it's rather nice and reliable. You get a lot of car for the money. The SLS with AWD is also the very top spec Kizashi.
The Kizashi is a relatively reliable vehicle, but as with any car, has its known issues:
Things to look out for:
Rear shocks going out. The Kizashi came with faulty rear shock bump stoppers that trapped water and moisture, causing premature rear shock failure. Many Kizashis had their rear shocks fail due to this issue. Check to see if the rear shocks are okay and see if you have the newer "countermeasure" bump stoppers. All the info you'd ever need is in this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3186

Paint chipping: The Kizashi has thin paint and the darker colors chip easily. Beware of this and see if there are any exposed spots on the car that may rust.

CVT issues: While rare, CVTs can act up. Make sure the vehicle drives nicely and the CVT does not make any odd noises.

Parts aren't that hard to find if you know where to look. There are a few Suzuki parts sites we purchase OE parts from. Also, check to see if there is an Authorized Suzuki Service Center near you. Your car would be under the powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles. These are the places to go for warranty claims, recalls, and basically issues that require more than basic maintenance and you want technicians more familiar with Suzukis.
http://www.suzukiauto.com/Service%20Provider.aspx

Yeah, the Kizashi is a rare and orphaned car, but it's a stellar car itself and actually rewarding to drive. You really can't say that about the majority of comparable cars.
Overall, the Kizashi is a safe buy, IMO. I love the car and have no regrets.

[DiggerDerrik]

110,000 miles on my 2010 GTS FWD CVT, original owner. Here is the list of parts on my car that have been replaced;
Oil filter
Air filter
Spark plugs
Transmission filter (which is basically just a screen)
Dome light
Head light (probably on my 7th set of these)
Tires
Battery
Key FOB battery
Cabin air filter
Right read blinker bulb

All unlisted parts are what the car came with, even the brake pads. My car is light grey/silver and has been subject to the chipping I've heard others mention. Shocks are fine. Car drives like new. Best car I've ever owned. I wish Suzuki had stayed here.

[cobymark]

To me, Kizashi is a solid choice with a decent price. It has a good handling and very stable at highway speeds.

[Woodie]

It's very stable at 120 mph too.

Don't ask me how I know, I think someone told me that.

[FrankoLaMoya]

I drove it to the top speed twice (130 mph/210 kmh) and the car was stable! Great car seriously.