Should I become a first time Kizashi buyer?

[KuroNekko]

Recently in the mail, I got a flyer from the local Nissan dealer. It was some scratch-off thing and I got the winning symbol so I went down to the dealer to see what I won.

The moment I pulled up in my Kizashi, all the salesmen outside stopped in their tracks and stared at my car. It was as if some UFO pulled up. I walked into the dealership to see about this scratch off prize and in the process, I was asked to input my vehicle info in their computer stand to see about the trade-in they would give me at that dealer for a new Nissan (part of the prize-claiming process).

My 2011 Kizashi Sport GTS FWD with 15,000 miles was valued at $15,250 there (total trade-in value including some bonus figure). That's actually more than I paid for it.
Regardless, I told them I was not interested in a trade-in and that I was very happy with my Suzuki.

While at the dealership checking out the new Altima and 370Z, the manager approached me and asked me about my car. He basically asked, "Why did you get that Suzuki and do you like it?"
I told him about the handling and the fact that Suzuki offered upscale trims even for the manual transmission. I mentioned that I had a moonroof and a 425 watt stereo with my 6 speed manual which were features you wouldn't find in other rival midsizes with manuals. I then pointed to the Altima in the showroom and said, "See, you can ONLY get that in a CVT. That's just not my thing."
He then said that Suzuki went bankrupt because they did not do well in the country. I told him I was aware of the exodus of Suzuki but told him that they do well in Japan where they are from. I told him Suzuki has even outsold Honda back there in recent years. (I later checked figures and found out in 2012, Suzuki actually outsold Nissan (oh, the irony!), but not Honda.) He was shocked. I then told him nearly 40% of all cars sold in India were Suzuki so the company was actually rolling in the dough in other markets. Again, he seemed baffled.
I told him that Suzuki failed to sell well in the US, but that they were doing fine in other places and that their cars were rather good. Still puzzled, the manager nodded and walked off.

That prize was merely for a $1 scratch-off for the Maryland lottery and of course I won nothing, but I left that Nissan dealer with a smirk on my face loving the fact I drive a Kizashi.

[Pyramid1]

Awesome story..haha! However as we all know, that trade-in amount you were quoted isn't quite the same as first agreeing on a price for a new car and then slashing $15,250 off of it.

Speaking of the Altima, I had one for a couple days (rental) while out of town for work, and thought it was a decent car...but I don't think I would buy one. The CVT doesn't really bother me, in fact any auto trans feels weird since I had a manual for so many years, and the Civic I'm borrowing right now also has a stick. What does bother me about the Altima is the somewhat floaty suspension, excessive road noise on some surfaces, and the general feeling that it may not age well. It's not that it doesn't feel well built, just that some "strength" seems to have been taken out in the name of weight reduction. Of course the Mazda 6 I used to have had the same feeling..

I know that Suzuki couldn't stay around forever losing money, but I really think that if they had cleaned house in the U.S. marketing department and hired some people who knew what they're doing things could be looking up now. Just think about where the Kizashi could be headed if the VW partership had worked out...Kizashi 2.0T anyone? Kizashi TDI? Such cars could definitely turn things around for Suzuki here...but I don't know if VW would have welcomed the competition for their Jetta.

[WESHOOT2]

Perhap.....

.....after the dust settles, Suzuki could come back to the USA with a newly developed (and well-held) dealer network, and appropriate marketing???????


I mean, in my dreams? Or should I note that Car & Driver's editor thought the same thing?

[WESHOOT2]

I was interested in buying a new '13 meself..... I think the car is awesome.
I mean, for the money.


I do not marry them; I drive the crap outta them, use them up, discard them like a cheap whore, then repeat.

[Pyramid1]

I was interested in buying a new '13 meself..... I think the car is awesome.
I mean, for the money.


I do not marry them; I drive the crap outta them, use them up, discard them like a cheap whore, then repeat.

So you think buying a discounted 13 is better than going for a low mileage 11-12 model even if the upfront cost is a bit more? Resale value never really factors into my buying decisions, (I don't see buying any car as an "investment") but initial value does...and getting a brand new Kizashi GTS/SLS for around the same price as a 3 year old Honda Accord coupe with 30k+ miles sounds like a deal to me.

[jcorcione]

http://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewto ... 7&start=10

I took the plunge look at my post above 2 nd page white kizashi sls sport.

Mind if I ask how much they let it go for? I'm guessing you had a trade-in (the Camaro?)...but I won't and intend to pay in full. (no financing)

I have to look at my paper work. I bought it here in Kansas City, But do not they paid off my trade in which was about 22K. The Sticker on the vehicle was 30991. I think they brought it down to like 26-28k Its FULLY loaded. Right now doing research to add the rockford fozgate audio package. Looking for the AMP and Sub

[WESHOOT2]

I think buying new is always better.

I drive the car, not the monthly payment, ay?

[Pyramid1]

http://www.kizashiclub.com/forum/viewto ... 7&start=10

I took the plunge look at my post above 2 nd page white kizashi sls sport.

Mind if I ask how much they let it go for? I'm guessing you had a trade-in (the Camaro?)...but I won't and intend to pay in full. (no financing)

I have to look at my paper work. I bought it here in Kansas City, But do not they paid off my trade in which was about 22K. The Sticker on the vehicle was 30991. I think they brought it down to like 26-28k Its FULLY loaded. Right now doing research to add the rockford fozgate audio package. Looking for the AMP and Sub

Even before the Suzuki pullout, $30k+ would have been a little high for even a fully loaded SLS, but now it's just delusional pricing. Just my opinion, but I also think $26k-28k is too high for a 2013 SLS, and especially so since they no longer come with the RF system/sub. Once you near the $30k mark, serious consideration has to be given to other cars out there for the same price point...good cars with the backing of companies that are still here. $30k is getting into Volkswagen CC, GLI, Acura TSX territory. (among others)

I've seen a couple other dealerships that are trying to pretend that Suzuki never left the U.S. with their pricing, (The Jim Shorkey Kizashi hoarder in PA for one) but most have reasonable starting prices. Personally I would never pay more than $20k for a fully loaded 2013 SLS, but even then I would try to get it down around $19k.

[Pyramid1]

I think buying new is always better.

I drive the car, not the monthly payment, ay?

Of course you do, you sell new cars for a living right? lol..

To me it really depends on the car, say for example if a newly redesigned model is better than the previous version...and assuming it's too new for lightly used models to be on the market. On the other hand, letting someone else take the initial depreciation hit is always a good thing...assuming you can find a low mileage car that was well maintained. (and for the right price)

Oh, and I've done the monthly payment thing in the past, but this time I will pay the entire balance upfront no matter what I end up getting.

[Pyramid1]

I finally found the perfect Kizashi for myself..

2012
Azure Gray
6MT
less than 3k miles
reasonable starting price

BUT ITS OVER 1000 FREAKIN MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE.

This is really getting ridiculous, and I'm not sure if I want to waste more vacation days (not to mention airfare to visit a car dealership) on this insane search. Usually once I get something in my head I'm like a pitbull....but the car gods are steering me towards other makes/models now.