Newbie here to the board
I've found a 2011 SLS AWD with 72K on a small dealers lot here in Minnesota (not a lot of Kizashi's up here). He's asking 11,999 but has had it for sale at least 2 months now so I'm thinking of offering a low ball offer of 10K. I did take a look at it a month ago and it is is nice shape and drives like new, the only issue I found was when I did an "Auto Check" is that it was repossesed and sold at auction with "true mileage unknown". I'm guessing that on a repo this may be a standard statement. The only option it does not have is the Navigation so I'm looking for some aftermarket advice on possible upgrades that can be done to the stock radio.
I have researched this car extensively over the years and I have assisted my mother with getting her a 2012 SLS a few years ago right after Suzuki pulled out of the USA and deals were to be had on new leftovers. So far for her it's been a great car except for the horrible stock Dunlop tires that lasted only 25K miles.
So any advice on the radio and any known issues to look for on this 2011 with 72K miles?
This will not be my first Suzuki as my wife has a 2008 XL7 that we have had since new and has been the best bang for buck crossover SUV I could have found. That's why I want a Kizashi as there is no other car with the features for the price.
I had briefly looked to trade my 25k mile well-maintained (not repo'd) 2010 GTS in last spring on the Jeep I bought. Not that I was really looking to get rid of it...8500-9k is all they offered so I kept it. 10k is too high. Offer 8500 and see what gives. In the used car haggle game, you can always go up from your offer, they will never come down from your offer. Throw it out there and let 'em stew on it. Also remember, Suzuki has left the building. There's about 8 years left of the 10 they're required to support the brand. Ex-dealers/competent Suzuki service centers are far and few between. Not that you're going to need them all that often if you're capable of the basic maintenance needs, but it's something to weigh in your decision of if to buy and what to pay. Have you checked used prices on TruCar or the like for your area? What are they saying they're actually selling for?
Yeah, that's too much considering the mileage. I'd definitely get that price in the four digits.
As for navigation, what are your thoughts on just buying a windshield mount and using your phone+bluetooth? It's the cheapest option, and it works great for me at least.
If not, (others here can pipe in) you might be able to swap in the RF Navigation head unit used in other Kizashi models.
Ronzuki wrote:I had briefly looked to trade my 25k mile well-maintained (not repo'd) 2010 GTS in last spring on the Jeep I bought. Not that I was really looking to get rid of it...8500-9k is all they offered so I kept it. 10k is too high. Offer 8500 and see what gives. In the used car haggle game, you can always go up from your offer, they will never come down from your offer. Throw it out there and let 'em stew on it. Also remember, Suzuki has left the building. There's about 8 years left of the 10 they're required to support the brand. Ex-dealers/competent Suzuki service centers are far and few between. Not that you're going to need them all that often if you're capable of the basic maintenance needs, but it's something to weigh in your decision of if to buy and what to pay. Have you checked used prices on TruCar or the like for your area? What are they saying they're actually selling for?
I agree. I got my 2010 S new from the dealer for 14,000 after about four months negotiations. The initial price was 20,000. I kept my notes by the phone and every two weeks the dealer would call with a better offer.
2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport iAWD CVT ''Kaijū'' (Black pearl metallic)
Priors:
2004 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T 6MT ''Audini'' (Black)
1999 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8 AT (Dark green)
1984 Chevrolet Malibu 3MT with a 327 engine lol (Blue)
1996 Acura Integra 5MT (Black)
A few things:
The others are correct that the dealer is asking WAY too much for this car. It's definitely worth under 10 grand with that kind of mileage. With a questionable ownership history of a repossession, it's even worth less. It also sat for 2 months right? It only shows the dealer can't sell it for the price he's asking. Also, Suzuki left the North American market so any Suzuki is worth less now. Get it for cheap.
Also, the SLS without the Nav should have the Rockford Fosgate stereo. This should not be regarded as the "stock" system but the best OE system. If you want Nav, then go for it, but even the Nav models with the RF systems don't sound as good as the RF without the nav. It's been discussed here a number of times.
The RF system is a 425W (RMS) 10 speaker system with a digital amp. Max wattage is an astonishing 950W. I have this in my GTS (no nav) and love it. I'd personally rather have this over the nav and use my iPhone for navigating (its live traffic data and constant updates are a plus too).
This is going to sound redundant, but there's no way in hell I'd change the radio. You've got the best system already in there, and it's factory, meaning no one is going to knock your windows out to get it. Google Maps is free, never needs updating, and works with every car you own + your bike, bicycle, walking.
Take the money you were going to spend on a lesser stereo that won't work with your steering wheel mounted controls and buy a rear sway bar or something useful.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Should be a convenience store, not a government agency
Something else dawned on me seeing this is a repo car...If the selling dealer doesn't have TWO key fobs (as they rarely do at times), you can knock another grand off the $8,500 initial offer I mentioned. Huge expense and PITA to acquire a second one. The FOB w/key are ridiculously expensive and a Suzuki service center must program it to your car, no other option there. Search around this forum and you'll find discussions to the effect. The joys of keyless ignition.
If the dealer doesn't have both original FOBs...you have to assume the original douchebag "owner" still has it. That begs the question...how does that FOB get disabled so the previous joy-rider can't re-repo your car?
Yup, too much. I'm sure they should have the CarFax on that. Did you get a copy of that? It would show any major work done on it. If it was warranty, it would certainly show up.
Also, I bought a key fob on Ebay for $50.
Does anyone know for certain whether a Nissan key fob will work? They look identical except for the logo. I just saw one go for for $15.50. I think the Altima has the same number of buttons.
Below is snippit from the "AutoCheck" history:
It looks like when it was repo'd that it may have been a standard thing to say at auction, "true milaeage unknown"
Good call on the Key Fob, I'll check into it and use it as a bargining chip if necessary. Looking on line at Kizashi's for sale they are few and far between unless you live in PA, Kizashi's there seem to be priced fairly high compared to elsewhere. If I can get the car sub 9K and it gets good marks on an inspection I may have to pull the trigger. Regarding a good local dealer, there are 2 former Suzuki dealers that are still doing warranty work and they have taken good care of warranty work on my wife's 2008 XL7 and my moms 2012 Kizashi.
The best part of the deal is it's the Platinum Silver color that makes this car stand out!
I'd keep the RF stereo and just use Garmin or my phone. Full History
Event date Location Odom reading Data
Source Details
01/12/2011 Independent Source VEHICLE MANUFACTURED AND SHIPPED TO DEALER
04/18/2011 BRIDGEWATER, NJ 100 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:GD201110800001294) (Lien Reported)
04/30/2011 BRIDGEWATER, NJ Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
10/11/2013 SUMMIT, NJ 60,458 Dealer Service BATTERY SERVICED/REPLACED
TIRES/WHEELS SERVICE PERFORMED
LUBE, OIL/FILTER CHANGED
VEHICLE SERVICED
10/24/2013 SUMMIT, NJ 60,268 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:DA201329700001035)
11/07/2013 NEWARK, NJ 60,460 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:GD201331100001179) (Lien Reported)
11/30/2013 NEWARK, NJ Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
07/24/2014 NJ Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:V3201420500000076)
REPOSSESSED
NOT ACTUAL MILES
08/18/2014 EASTERN REGION Auto Auction AUCTION ANNOUNCED AS TRUE MILEAGE UNKNOWN
08/18/2014 EASTERN REGION Auto Auction AUCTION ANNOUNCED AS FLEET/LEASE
sold)
Good choice by the way!
