Kizashi Club

Hi All,

Firstly, the posts on this forum have helped me understand a bit more about the Kizashi and vehicles, keep it up.

A few days ago I purchased a Kizashi AWD MY13 with 73000kms. The car is running well but there is a gap of 14,000kms between services in the log book. The only work the dealer did before I purchased it was to change the oil on 73,000kms. The previous services was done at 58,000kms or so. So I think that the car should be given proper service just to ensure that all is OK with the engine.

1. Should I purchase the parts myself (spark plugs, oil filter, etc) and take it to the mechanic? Is there anything else missing that I need to take into consideration/purchase before I take it to the mechanics? I want to buy good parts and at the same time learn a bit more about the car maintenance.
2. Should I take the car to one of the approved Suzuki service centres? I'm afraid that this will cost me way too much, over $1000?
3. CVT? Should I change the transmission fluid or any of the other fluids?
4. Timing belt? Would the timing belt be OK at 72,000kms?

I would appreciate any responses.

BTW, love the car!

CVT fluid change is now recommended at 60k miles per a new TSB. Who can, or how to, get it done properly remains the obstacle. Do it wrong and it's almost a guaranteed early funeral. SX4s and Kizashis have timing chains, no belts. So, no worries there. There are threads covering both plugs and there are many regarding CVT fluid, so a little searching can tell you much. Nissan dealers may have the knowledge since they currently deal w/ essentially the same trans as ours. Suzuki "service centers" are nothing more than pipelines to Suzuki for pars and warranty issues at this point. None of them likely have Suzuki factory trained techs employed any longer, and most don't care and have developed the "we service everything" (even though we can't) mentality. Mine doesn't, they've moved on to Alfa Romeo trained techs. Next annual inspection, I'll be out of warranty, so I'm done with those guys unless I need some off-the-wall Suzuki only part. I was told the last Suzuki tech they had quit and is now a personal trainer...not even a wrench anymore. So I don't see any benefit using them for anything other than they're supposed to still have the tools at least to perform the work. Understanding how to use them, well, that's another story. Back to finding a shop/mechanic that you can work with and is not a crook. Things may be different in your neck of the globe.

That's only 45K miles, practically still a new car in my book. It shouldn't be due for anything major.

Like Woodie stated, at that mileage, there isn't anything major to worry about. Personally, I'd just replace the air filters if they aren't new. Both the engine and cabin air filters.

Where are you from buddy? I am currently at 84 000 km with my 2012 Kizashi sport and I changed the front rotors and front brake pads at 45 000 km (I do a lot of stop and go per day), replaced the CTV fluid at 50 000 km, I was hearing a 'clunk' when going over bumps at 61 000 km (I had to change a bushing on one side of the rear stabilizer bar therefore changed both) and I changed rear rotors and rear brake pads at 68 000 km. Nothing since then.

Thank you all for your responses.

I took the car to the local mechanic, and he quickly had a look at the engine. It appears that the engine is in top notch, clean, to my surprise. He also took a look at the air filter and he stated that there is no need to replace. The only thing I had to do is a wheel alignment which included swap the tires (back to front). The state of the engine is what surprises me as it appears brand new!
I might still get it check by the mechanic, probably just to ensure that the spark plugs are still in good condition, given that the car its about to hit the 75,000 kms mark. Currently the car is at 73,100kms.
Two more things, fix a paint chip (as I have the red fervent) on the rear bumper, and replace the front upper grill as it has some cracks. Currently the market value of this car is almost $17,000 AUD.
I'm very happy with it, apart from the fuel consumption, but this is the trade of driving such a good car.

Oh, I'm in Australia.

YPT wrote:Thank you all for your responses.

I took the car to the local mechanic, and he quickly had a look at the engine. It appears that the engine is in top notch, clean, to my surprise. He also took a look at the air filter and he stated that there is no need to replace. The only thing I had to do is a wheel alignment which included swap the tires (back to front). The state of the engine is what surprises me as it appears brand new!
I might still get it check by the mechanic, probably just to ensure that the spark plugs are still in good condition, given that the car its about to hit the 75,000 kms mark. Currently the car is at 73,100kms.
Two more things, fix a paint chip (as I have the red fervent) on the rear bumper, and replace the front upper grill as it has some cracks. Currently the market value of this car is almost $17,000 AUD.
I'm very happy with it, apart from the fuel consumption, but this is the trade of driving such a good car.

Oh, I'm in Australia.

Don't worry about the spark plugs yet. The Kizashi comes with NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs which have a replacement interval for "severe" use at 96,500 KM. They can go longer for normal driving conditions.

You don't know if the previous owner(s) got the transfer case oil & rear differential oil changes, like they were supposed to. I know I hadn't, until recently and Azumi was about the same number of miles yours is as of the start of this thread. It might be a good idea to go ahead and take care of that, preemptively.

I am thinking about buy a kizashi from second owner, senior citizen, changed front bearings and struts, rear bearings and struts in box available as no repair needed at rear. brand new brakes and rotors as well as 4 brand new tires on the car. he was asking 8100 and I've talked him down to 7400. he won't go down as he said he will throw in all new and users parts, safety and emissions as well as carproof report. clean title. I will be commuting to Hamilton daily from Toronto. Should I buy it? is it worth it for that price? what is due for repairs at this stage? I am first time car buyer and have been thinking alot. everyone is scaring me from the parts availability and labour charges.i love the car drive it slight culling noise in the back but not too significant. I will be getting the rear shock switch the purchase so I am not too worked. all Japanese import parts. any suggestions please as I'll be buying it today if I get a green light from you aall. thanks. I am full time university student so can't afford expensive repairs

Hello. Providing the model year and mileage of the vehicle your are considering, along with your geographic location, may incite some useful responses.