should I purchase a car from a defunct brand in the U.S.?
Hello all. I'm in the market for a replacement for my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu (I'm rather bored with it and the itch is returning) I will probably not be purchasing new so in addition to the domestics (Dodge, not so much) and Nissan I have been considering the Kizashi from recently departed Suzuki. The Kizashi has always intrigued me and I came within a hair's breath of buying an SE in 2011 but didn't pull the trigger because it felt more sluggish than a 2010 I had driven earlier at the same dealership but which sold shortly thereafter. I know Suzuki of America has promised to honor warranties and maintain the parts supply for ten years-at minimum, one hopes-but i wonder what it is REALLY like to actually buy parts for this car or schedule servicing for it. I recently had a conversation with a fellow who owns a 2012 and he informed me that servicing has never been a problem as he returns to the dealership where he made the original purchase. Very encouraging, but what will be his tune five years hence when, for example, the cvt begins playing up? Or he needs a piece of trim that can only be obtained from a dealer? Say what you will about the Chevy Malibu but GM is automotive bedrock (and the 2013 Malibu is pretty decent, by the way). I just would like to know if I should buy a Kizashi if the opportunity presents itself.
It's a hard decision but it boils down to this:
If you want to buy a great car with great handling, features, quality, exclusivity, etc. then yes.
If you want to buy warranty assurance, dealership network, resale value, etc. then no.
It is only logical to get yourself in a Kizashi if you really want the car that badly for the car itself. Otherwise, something else is better for the reasons pertaining to ownership of the car over the actual car itself.
I am not surprised to hear your Malibu is boring you even as a 2011 model. The Malibu is a decent car, but lags behind the competition in almost every way. Not that it is bad, but it does nothing better than any of its rivals.
The Kizashi is more appealing because it handles probably best in class. Features like AWD also make it stand out. Even when you are going nowhere (like in traffic), the comfortable seats, Bluetooth phone/audio, and the excellent optional RF stereo can keep one happy with the car.
The fact that it's a rare car and you can go weeks on end without seeing another also adds an appeal you will never get with a Camry, Accord, Malibu, etc.
I have said this a number of times elsewhere in the forum, but the Kizashi is my first warranty car. I have always bought out-of-warranty cars in the past. Because of this, I am very independent from dealers and very much of a DIY guy with car maintenance and repairs. In terms of maintenance parts, you can almost always get parts cheaper from other places, especially online parts sites like rockauto.com.
I've owned my Kizashi for a little over a year and have not taken it once to a dealer. No problems have arose for the need to seek one. So far, the car has been solid with just maintenance by yours truly.
Overall, I am very happy with the car and would recommend it with the caveat that I mentioned up at the top of my reply.
If you want to buy a great car with great handling, features, quality, exclusivity, etc. then yes.
If you want to buy warranty assurance, dealership network, resale value, etc. then no.
It is only logical to get yourself in a Kizashi if you really want the car that badly for the car itself. Otherwise, something else is better for the reasons pertaining to ownership of the car over the actual car itself.
I am not surprised to hear your Malibu is boring you even as a 2011 model. The Malibu is a decent car, but lags behind the competition in almost every way. Not that it is bad, but it does nothing better than any of its rivals.
The Kizashi is more appealing because it handles probably best in class. Features like AWD also make it stand out. Even when you are going nowhere (like in traffic), the comfortable seats, Bluetooth phone/audio, and the excellent optional RF stereo can keep one happy with the car.
The fact that it's a rare car and you can go weeks on end without seeing another also adds an appeal you will never get with a Camry, Accord, Malibu, etc.
I have said this a number of times elsewhere in the forum, but the Kizashi is my first warranty car. I have always bought out-of-warranty cars in the past. Because of this, I am very independent from dealers and very much of a DIY guy with car maintenance and repairs. In terms of maintenance parts, you can almost always get parts cheaper from other places, especially online parts sites like rockauto.com.
I've owned my Kizashi for a little over a year and have not taken it once to a dealer. No problems have arose for the need to seek one. So far, the car has been solid with just maintenance by yours truly.
Overall, I am very happy with the car and would recommend it with the caveat that I mentioned up at the top of my reply.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
Kuro summed it all up beautifully, and I don't really have much to add. Just be aware that Suzuki dealerships weren't well known for spectacular service before the pullout, and no reason to believe it will improve since the service centers no longer have Suzuki's to sell. (always exceptions though)
On the other hand, I'm like Kuro and never visit a dealership unless there is no other option. There is a former Suzuki dealership near me that stocks pretty much every Kizashi part/accessory that exists, and has a website you can order from. http://www.oemsuzukiparts.com/
I've been shopping for a Kizashi for months now, and the only issue I have is a lack of cars that meet my criteria within decent driving distance...but there are 3 ex-Suzuki dealerships that still provide warranty service nearby. I may end up giving in and buying something else, but all the reasons Kuro provided are what keep me hanging on for now..
On the other hand, I'm like Kuro and never visit a dealership unless there is no other option. There is a former Suzuki dealership near me that stocks pretty much every Kizashi part/accessory that exists, and has a website you can order from. http://www.oemsuzukiparts.com/
I've been shopping for a Kizashi for months now, and the only issue I have is a lack of cars that meet my criteria within decent driving distance...but there are 3 ex-Suzuki dealerships that still provide warranty service nearby. I may end up giving in and buying something else, but all the reasons Kuro provided are what keep me hanging on for now..
double ditto Kuro's summation.
Also, If you're located anywhere near south eastern/south central PA, I can recommend the ex-Suzuki auto dealer that I use in Frazer when needed for service. I have had a couple warranty things that needed resolved on the Kizashi One before the pull-out and one after. No trouble with either repair and both required expensive (>$1,000) parts This particular dealer sold Suzuki bikes as well and they've never had issues obtaining any factory parts, before or after Suzuki's pull-out. I've also used them to repair our SX4 when a landscape trailer ripped through the passenger side doors. Two new OE factory door shells delivered in 3 days. That obviously may change as parts in the U.S. warehouses are depleted and they begin shuttering supply locations.
Also, If you're located anywhere near south eastern/south central PA, I can recommend the ex-Suzuki auto dealer that I use in Frazer when needed for service. I have had a couple warranty things that needed resolved on the Kizashi One before the pull-out and one after. No trouble with either repair and both required expensive (>$1,000) parts This particular dealer sold Suzuki bikes as well and they've never had issues obtaining any factory parts, before or after Suzuki's pull-out. I've also used them to repair our SX4 when a landscape trailer ripped through the passenger side doors. Two new OE factory door shells delivered in 3 days. That obviously may change as parts in the U.S. warehouses are depleted and they begin shuttering supply locations.
Ron
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
)
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
) 1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)I had the same dilemma a month and a half ago. Should I buy a used Kizashi from a manufacturer that no longer sells cars in the US? I decided that it was worth the risk, and it is a risk, because I liked the car so much. There are three dealerships within 45 minutes so hopefully I won't have any warranty issues. (fingers crossed) I partially based my decision on the historical reliability and reputation of Suzuki cars world wide. The Kizashis are made in Japan so they should have the same quality. I owned an SX4 AWD for three years and never had a lick of problem with it. Only a recall on loose side view mirrors. No biggie. No, it's not a rocket, but it's not bad. Especially if you're already rolling. The handling is superb. It begs you to take corners harder and harder. And I'll second the comfort, although I have an SLS with leather. The fit and finish is really good. And nobody makes anything that looks like the Kizashi. I bet you could de-badge it and get free car washes by betting people that they couldn't tell you what it was. Besides, if something goes wrong, you can always ask the world renowned experts on the Kizashi right on this forum! 
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sx4rocious
- Posts: 485
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2013 8:31 pm
I own a SX4 and a Kizashi. I wouldn't have it any other way. I bought the SX4 while Suzuki was still here, and the Kizashi well after the pull-out. I never thought twice about it. I've never needed anything I couldn't find at autozone and have never needed to ask if either car was covered under warranty. I bought Suzuki for the sheer enjoyment and haven't looked back!!
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Speed_Racer
- Posts: 383
- Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:58 pm
- Location: Salt Lake City
I had the same dilemma. Here's what pushed me to buy aside from it just being a really nice car:
I benefited from the decreasing resale values - I got mine for a relative bargain. I also plan on owning this car for about a decade so resale doesn't matter to me. Long warranty and a authorized service dealer about 30 min from my house, but experience w/ my parent's trouble-free SX4 reassured me I wouldn't need to visit often.
I benefited from the decreasing resale values - I got mine for a relative bargain. I also plan on owning this car for about a decade so resale doesn't matter to me. Long warranty and a authorized service dealer about 30 min from my house, but experience w/ my parent's trouble-free SX4 reassured me I wouldn't need to visit often.
'12 Kizashi,'03 SV650,'04 DL1000