SamirD wrote:Went to Ray Suzuki (Chevrolet) and met Steve the service writer and gave him the wheels for warranty repair. He quickly had them check the rear shocks and he confirmed that they're both corroding in the same place he's seen damaged ones. Parts are on order.
So he and I got to talking about Kizahis since they used to stock 100 when they were a dealer and in his estimate sold almost 2000.
Common issues he's seen--headlight bulbs, alignment-induced tire wear, rear bump stop related shock damage, paint flaking from the wheels.
Not so common--only two transmissions replaced ever, and one was just making a whining noise. Three water pumps, which seems even a bit odd to him.
He showed me a genuine Suzuki oil filter and showed me how the design of it is different than other Suzuki filters that fit. And that design is key if you planning on keeping the car forever as it keeps the car from dry starting for about 1/10th of a second. If you're using an aftermarket filter that doesn't have this design feature, you may be causing some premature wear. I listened carefully this evening when my wife started the car. I think I've got a little bit of that going on. I've noticed some extra noise from cylinder 2, but don't have my scope to listen acutely and pinpoint it.
I asked him all sorts of questions like what we've discussed here in many of the threads. He has a BOOKLOAD of knowledge on the car, and was freely sharing it. Maybe to get some repeat business, but I think he also is a fan of the car and the owners.
I asked him how busy they stay and because they're one of the higher rated Suzuki service centers in the nation as well as one of the only ones in a 250mi radius, they stay pretty steady at all times, which is great for them and us. What was really interesting was that they even had a small Suzuki sign still on the building.
I even asked him about the HID swap, and he mentioned that in theory it sounds like it would work, but to not think that I won't have to buy bulbs as he's even seen HID bulbs go out. I think he was referring to a lot of the cheap HID kits we know to avoid.
He had an interesting perspective on the car and aftermarket goods. Most any intake messes with the idle. Almost any electrical add-on like HIDs or even the wrong type of tint will make your AM signals go out. He's got a vast database of these oddities about the Kizashi in his head.
I have to return to pick up the wheels when they're done as well as get the rear shocks and bump stops replaced. If anyone has any questions that they'd like me to ask, post them up! I forgot to ask him about tpms issues, so that's on my list already.
Great info. Thanks.
As for the filter, I agree with bootymac that he's talking about an anti-drainback valve. These are not rare at all if you get high quality filters like Mobil 1, Purolator PureOne, etc. They are clearly visible when you look at an oil filter.
The reason why they matter for the Kizashi is because our oil filters are mounted sideways. They are not necessary for filters mounted opening upward.
Below is a picture of the very Mobil 1 oil filter I use. It's actually the one specified for the Kizashi (M1-103). See the orange thing behind the round holes? That's the anti-drainback valve.
Below is a cut-out diagram of a Purolator PureOne oil filter. It too features an anti-drainback valve.
I have no doubt these filters are superior to OEM Suzuki filters even from their filter media alone. Not saying OEM filters are bad, but you really don't need to go out of your way to get OEM filters when auto parts stores sell better filters that have these features. It's nothing proprietary to Suzuki's filters for the Kizashi. However, a better filter like a Mobil 1 costs more money. For me, it's a convenience matter to get an aftermarket oil filter vs. an OEM one. The fact that they are also better is a bonus.
Interesting that HID kits can affect AM radio signals. I've not tested it out because I don't listen to the radio much, even FM. I was already aware of tints affecting radio reception, but that all depends on the type of tint.
I will see if my AM reception is poor, but I know my FM works great. I personally hate talk radio so would never use my AM radio unless it's an emergency situation like an earthquake or evacuation.
Also, OEM HID bulbs go out, especially when they age. I see cars with OEM HID bulbs out all the time on BMWs, Lincolns, Mercedes, Toyotas, etc. You can always buy a new bulb and replace it. You can get them aftermarket so it's not a really big deal.
That being said, I'd still get an aftermarket kit so I can use the existing headlight. You get the best price performance this way.
