Some day I'll need a new car, but at what cost?

[KuroNekko]

The closest would be a Subaru if you're looking for AWD. No need for premium with their naturally aspirated engines. However the 2.5 is still prone to oil burning and head gasket issues.

The HG issues were resolved in 2007 when different HGs were used. The problematic HGs were used on the EJ25 engines from around 2000 to 2006.
Now, Subaru does not even use EJ series engines and moved on to their newer FA and FB engines for nearly all models.

I have read about ringland issues causing excessive oil burn-off but that's mostly in the WRX STI motor.

So I was thinking about future car purchases as my car has 65k on it. I would want another fuel efficient awd vehicle, but what is out there that compares to a kiz? Subaru is a decent bet, but does it require premium fuel? Just curious as to which direction my journey will take when that day comes. Lexus looks nice if it were a few years old as new is quite the sticker shock. Thoughts?

Subaru.
I've owned two. Both were great and reliable.
In fact, I wanted a Subaru again but when their strong resale value made for overpriced used cars, I went for the Kizashi instead. No regrets, but with a Subaru, you can get AWD+manual+turbo if one desired.

Most Subaru interiors will be a downgrade from a nicely equipped Kizashi, but the Subaru will employ a superior AWD system in addition to the industry's best CVT.

I think a Subaru Legacy is the closest car to a Suzuki Kizashi all things considered.

[Knightstruth]

I think a used base model is250, g35, or acura is probably the only replacement that would feel good for a kizashi. The Legacy is not a sporty car anymore, and the wrx feels more like a a four door sports car than a sedan. I would add Chrysler 200 to that but I'm not a fan of the company.

[KuroNekko]

The problem is that used Japanese luxury cars like Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura command a rather high resale value.
Also, the Japanese are a bit finicky about pairing AWD to all powertrain configurations and aren't as open to it like the Germans.

The Legacy isn't as athletic as the Kizashi, but it should be more affordable than a luxury car even if it was used. Things like parts, labor, and maintenance costs in addition to requiring premium fuel drive up ownership costs for luxury brand cars.

I like the Chrysler 200 quite a bit but it seems like the AWD is only available on the higher trim much like with the Ford Fusion.

The problem is that most other companies want you to drive their CUVs if you want AWD. Subaru and Suzuki were rare exceptions that offered AWD in nearly every car they sold in the US market.

[Knightstruth]

The problem is that used Japanese luxury cars like Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura command a rather high resale value. Also, the Japanese are a bit finicky about pairing AWD to all powertrain configurations and aren't as open to it like the Germans.

The Legacy isn't as athletic as the Kizashi, but it should be more affordable than a luxury car even if it was used. Things like parts, labor, and maintenance costs in addition to requiring premium fuel drive up ownership costs for luxury brand cars.

I like the Chrysler 200 quite a bit but it seems like the AWD is only available on the higher trim much like with the Ford Fusion.

The problem is that most other companies want you to drive their CUVs if you want AWD. Subaru and Suzuki were rare exceptions that offered AWD in nearly every car they sold in the US market.

The used luxury cars I mentioned are not as high as many people think. I'm talking 3 years old for those cars should come under 25,000. Now I'm not talking the wonderful kiz price but not crazy either. I should add the ATS to a car that matches well with the kiz.

[KansasKid]

The used luxury cars I mentioned are not as high as many people think. I'm talking 3 years old for those cars should come under 25,000. Now I'm not talking the wonderful kiz price but not crazy either. I should add the ATS to a car that matches well with the kiz.

$25K might not be crazy, but it's still pretty pricey for most people that are looking for an AWD vehicle in the price range of most Suzuki vehicles. For instance, $25K is double my budget for a new/used car, Kizashi or otherwise. Of course, I want to pay for my next car in cash, none of this silly loan business.

It seems to me that any other cars you get in the same price range as Kizashies aren't going to have nearly as many features as the SE/GTS/SLS's for the same price. One of the better comparisons I've found as far as cost-to-features ratio was the Kia Forte5 SX. Those aren't AWD, but post-2013 they come with a turbo and 6MT, and a bunch of goodies (backup camera, heated steering wheel, and other neat stuff). And even the older ones that aren't turbo-ed are cheaper and come with a most of the same features.

[Knightstruth]

The used luxury cars I mentioned are not as high as many people think. I'm talking 3 years old for those cars should come under 25,000. Now I'm not talking the wonderful kiz price but not crazy either. I should add the ATS to a car that matches well with the kiz.

$25K might not be crazy, but it's still pretty pricey for most people that are looking for an AWD vehicle in the price range of most Suzuki vehicles. For instance, $25K is double my budget for a new/used car, Kizashi or otherwise. Of course, I want to pay for my next car in cash, none of this silly loan business.

It seems to me that any other cars you get in the same price range as Kizashies aren't going to have nearly as many features as the SE/GTS/SLS's for the same price. One of the better comparisons I've found as far as cost-to-features ratio was the Kia Forte5 SX. Those aren't AWD, but post-2013 they come with a turbo and 6MT, and a bunch of goodies (backup camera, heated steering wheel, and other neat stuff). And even the older ones that aren't turbo-ed are cheaper and come with a most of the same features.

Fair point. I don't think you can find anything like the kiz though at that price range. It is a once in a life time type of car. I know some people may think I'm corny saying this but you are not going to find something this good for this cheap.

Its funny I personally like the imprezza but I would want one with more power and I'm not that big on the WRX anymore due to its rough ride.

I think going forward we should stop calling a back up camera a feature since all cars will be required to have it by 2018. It is basically standard equipment now.

[Ronzuki]

I know some people may think I'm corny saying this but you are not going to find something this good for this cheap.

No truer words spoken. Honestly, that's how I've felt about most all of the Suzukis I've owned. And yes, unfortunately, a once in a lifetime car much like my Samurai. (It's a toss up now which I'll be buried in, the Kiz or the Sami). My wife feels the same about her SX4. She loves it (it's her second one) and is very disappointed that she won't be able to purchase a new one in the future.

[KIZFAN2]

but yet people will still run out and buy base model civics for more :S

[Speed_Racer]

but yet people will still run out and buy base model civics for more :S

Sadly, most people consider (and treat) their cars as appliances.

[11zukizashi]

accept it's a Chrysler...

? I wouldn't think a Suzuki driver would be one to judge based on a makers previous failures... Chrysler is making a decent product under the wings of Fiat