So, I'm not sure where to put this.

[KHCreason]

This time next month, I'll be the proud new owner of one of two vehicles, both sporty, both otherwise different.

One, a sport coupe, is the 2011 Scion tC. Outfitted the way I want, it can be had for roughly $21,700. I really like it's styling, and the way it drives and feels inside. The manual-shift automatic is atrocious though, and I have yet to drive the standard, though once the short-throw kit from TRD arrives then I am sure to enjoy it, at the very least.

The second, a sedan, is the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi in the Sport GTS trim. I drove a 2010 model here in Tulsa, and was only able to drive in a base model with a CVT, and found it lacking compared to even the automatic in the tC. Unable to drive a manual, I resigned myself to withholding judgment until I was able to find a manual 2011 in full sport glory. What I really like about the Kizashi, though, is that the steering is so... well, hard? positive? I don't even know the word, but I LOVE the feedback from the wheel. I absolutely love the quality of the keyfob; little things like that make or break things for me.

I sell Fords in Tulsa, and you know our 45000 dollar Taurus SHO? Well, its key fob on its keyless ignition feels dirt cheap compared to the Kizashi, a 19-27k vehicle!

What I'm getting at, though, is that I'm torn between them. I really like both of their styling, I really like how they drive but the tC has way too much road noise. I... just like them both! I would lvoe some advice, on what owners feel about 2011 Kizashi's and how much you like/dislike things.

Also, is there much of an after-market scene for these? I don't do wild mods or anything but I love performance mods.

Also, I will be going to Wichita, KS on the 4th to drive both of them.

[sloopercat]

By the GTS with the manual, you can get it for same price as what you are going to pay for your TC. About 4X more car. I have had and driven cars much more expensive than the Kizashi, but not better equipped, quieter or handled as well. As long as winning drag races is not a top priority, I don't think you get near this car for less than $30K.

Aftermarket is limited, it is not a high volume car that attracts a lot of vendors. There is somebody that makes a turbo kit. Aftermarket support for the TC is about 1000X.

[KHCreason]

Hmm... well, I suppose that a bit of a slow aftermarket is OK, especially if I really could walk away with a GLS sport for what I'd pay at the Scion pure-price dealer. And I fully appreciate the ride and whatnot, its simply superb. I can't wait to drive one this week!

And hopefully, it won't come down to money. If so I may need to go with the Scion simply because I am their target demographic, and their fiance is geared towards me. I haven't foudn much info on the Suzuki financial preferences, does anyone know if its Ability-Stability-History or a different combination?

[ragmopp]

I recently bought a 2011 GTS with a manual and couldn't be happier. If you decide to get the Kizashi, GETTING the manual might be a problem. At least if you are on the west coast (the dealer in Kansas does seem to get some manuals though). What I did after the dealer I was working with couldn't locate a car for me was ask the dealer for the phone number of the district rep for Suzuki. After calling him he tracked down a car for me and ensured it got to my dealer. Three weeks ago when this all happened the rep stated there were (I think) 5 or 6 manuals that were either on the dock or on the way to the west coast distribution center. A couple of red and black and silver all GTS's. That was it. So if the Kizashi is for you and you must get a manual and you dealer cannot find one you might consider getting in contact with the district rep. If nothing else it will show the dealer you are serious.

[Moto]

Also, I will be going to Wichita, KS on the 4th to drive both of them.

Wichita has the largest Suzuki dealer in the country you shouldn't have a problem getting a Kizashi of any trim or spec there.

[KHCreason]

Yeah, thats why I caleld up SPencer Zimmer, a manager there. We've been emailing abck and forth, so he knows ym credit and history and whatnot so we'll be able to determine what is the best thing I could do when we get there on Thursday. I must say, I'm stoked!

For those of you w/ the AWD, is it noticable? I've never driven an AWD vehicle but I here that its only different, besides constantly lower gas mileage, when theres snow and heavy rain. Truth to this?

[ihbryant]

For those of you w/ the AWD, is it noticable? I've never driven an AWD vehicle but I here that its only different, besides constantly lower gas mileage, when theres snow and heavy rain. Truth to this?

You can accelerate through a turn with much more confidence in an AWD car. It really depends on how aggressive a driver are for whether this is important or not.

[kayjay]

At 1,000 miles, I placed the Kizashi SLS into AWD. I coluld not detect any difference in performance or fuel economy. I really didn't expect any performance changes, and I was pleasantly surprised that the gas mileage stayed the same. I am (almost) looking forward to some inclement weather to see how the AWD handles wet, snowy or icy roads.

[KHCreason]

Even if the AWD handles a bit better, I'll have to take the entire car, such as manual transmission with the handling it has versus the not so fun to drive CVT, with the AWD handling.

I look forward to seeing all the colors they come in! Tomorrow is gonna rock.

[KHCreason]

Okay, Imma gonna double post.

The GTS Sport with the 6MT is AWESOME. It's seating position with your hand on the shifter isn't exactly what I had hoped, but won't be hard to adjust to. The quality of the interior eclipsed the 2010 S or SE that I had driven. It had plenty of get-up-and-go, though it seems to like the higher RPM than lower, again something to get used to, but not bad.

The fabric was phenomenal, much better than anything cloth-wise I've had, except the Taurus. And when I make this vehicle my own, it will not get fully recovered with red leather. I think, instead, only the bolsters and head rests, and some of the door trim. I like the cloth that much!

Suzuki of Wichita and I are talking now, about how to get the awesome thing financed. All I know right now is that being straight commission looks bad to a bank, and my previous loan is WAY less than half of what I want to get. Therefore, payments are stupid high if they can be anything at all, and they'd rather me have a cosigner, which I'd rather not have. I foresee a stupid high down payment, since I most likely cannot/will not get a co-signer, but you know what?

I'm totally willing to save up for a month or two and get that stupid down payment. But who knows, maybe my dad will say here's my credit, or I'll sell a ton of cars this month and make a killing. Better yet, they'll tell me they can get me done with zero down!