It might be technically legit but you won't be able to legally drive the cars in the US. The US has a 25-year import rule for non USDM vehicles. Basically, these foreign cars were not made to the specs required by the US Dept. of Transportation and other agencies thus aren't road-legal until 25 year...

I'm not sure but I am certain Old Tech (pro mechanic) can advise. As for what I know, they both use the Suzuki J24B engine but they are tuned differently and mated to different transmissions. Perhaps this is why they have different tuning and power outputs. The J24B in the Grand Vitara made 166 HP w...

I'm starting to have this issue occasionally, but perhaps less so than others in colder climates. I have yet to modify anything because the steering lock eventually unlocks after opening the door/starting the car and repeating this process if necessary. As others have already pointed out, the steeri...

The springs are hard to find but the struts are not at all. KYB is the OEM and they make aftermarket struts and shocks that fit the Kizashi. While there might technically be a difference between the OE dampers for the Sport models, the aftermarket KYB parts fit and work just fine. My car is proof of...

The CVT is designed to deliver good fuel economy when driven the exact way that the government fuel economy test is driven. Sounds as if you've found that sweet spot driving 3000-3500 rpm. IN EVERY other way, a CVT is a disaster. They rob performance, mileage, and reliability. The entire first half...

With the mountains and desert landscape, it's amazing how much Iran looks like inland parts of California. Ever drive out to the coastline? yes, the Caspian Sea is near usually on weekends we go there another option is the Persian Gulf it is far away in the south but I plan to there soon. I am just...

I finally changed my belt tensioner and first want to thank Old Tech for the invaluable advice he shared about the process. I'm glad that I read it and got the Harbor Freight offset wrenches before starting the repair. They proved to be the perfect tool for accessing the upper bolt of the tensioner ...

I use cheap Chinese LED for both high and low beams :facepalm: putting LED in the high beam is illegal in my country but every year upon inspection I changed it to halogen after that I went back to LED and it is so useful. Putting any other bulb typpe than what is specified as original equipment is...

With the mountains and desert landscape, it's amazing how much Iran looks like inland parts of California. Ever drive out to the coastline?

The world right now needs more people like Old Tech. Knowledgable, reliable, honest, communicative and willing to help. It's nice to read story like this. We are extremely lucky that despite owning such a rare car that has largely fallen away to oblivion, we have an expert professional mechanic her...