Unfortunately I was involved in an accident in early June. Everyone is uninjured. The same cannot be said for my 2010 SLS.
The question that's eating me is should I get another one? There are a couple used Kizashi's on the market. And it looks like some 2013s even. There's lots to like about this car.
What is not to like about is Suzuki's gone, which means increasingly unavailable and/or expensive parts. It's a niche car and niche maker. I tend to drive cars to about 200K. Which for me is about 7-8 years. I'm a bit worried that may not be the best idea in this case.
So, let's say your Kizashi is gone. What do you get for the $15-$20K used market?
Should I get a a Kizashi?
Sorry to hear about your car, but glad to hear everyone is safe. Sounds like the Kizashi is living up to its reputation as a safe car.
If I were you, I would do a quick check to see available Kizashis in the area and see if any are a good deal and spec'ed the way you like. If none are suitable, then I would look at other cars given that finding the perfect Kizashi is very hard (just ask pyramid1).
For the 15~20K range, I would seriously start by looking at used Acura TLs & TSXs, Lexus IS', and Infiniti G35/G37s. You could probably get a slightly used Subaru Legacy (AWD stalwart) or Mazda6 (midsize that may come closest to Kizashi's handling) too. I would also include the Ford Fusion on the list as the last generation model was a reliable car and also offered in a hybrid which was highly praised.
Safe but more dull choices include the Camry and Accord.
I list these cars because they all have good reliability records, have good crash test ratings, and offer a more engaging driving experience than many other models.
Given that the Kizashi offered an upscale interior and amenities for its class and price, I would first try to get myself in an Acura, Lexus, or Infiniti to try avoid the shock of going to a lesser midsize rival (which would make me miss my Kizashi even more).
If I were you, I would do a quick check to see available Kizashis in the area and see if any are a good deal and spec'ed the way you like. If none are suitable, then I would look at other cars given that finding the perfect Kizashi is very hard (just ask pyramid1).
For the 15~20K range, I would seriously start by looking at used Acura TLs & TSXs, Lexus IS', and Infiniti G35/G37s. You could probably get a slightly used Subaru Legacy (AWD stalwart) or Mazda6 (midsize that may come closest to Kizashi's handling) too. I would also include the Ford Fusion on the list as the last generation model was a reliable car and also offered in a hybrid which was highly praised.
Safe but more dull choices include the Camry and Accord.
I list these cars because they all have good reliability records, have good crash test ratings, and offer a more engaging driving experience than many other models.
Given that the Kizashi offered an upscale interior and amenities for its class and price, I would first try to get myself in an Acura, Lexus, or Infiniti to try avoid the shock of going to a lesser midsize rival (which would make me miss my Kizashi even more).
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
Thanks for the feedback.
There's not much for used Kizashi's. I don't want to spend $25K on a 2013. For the $15-$16 range. I found a silver SLS, but FWD only. I found a red GTS in AWD. Not bad options.
The wife is getting involved. When we met we both had Mustangs, her's 66, mine 99 Cobra. We have none and she really wants one. Our kids are just in grade school, so will fit decently for the next 3-5 years. After that, probably not. And that's her point, it's now or in about 15 years. She's wanting a V6 Convert.
I'd get her 09 Subi Forestor. Having owned various Subi's have always worked great for me. It's ok. But, not a sporty Sedan like the Kizashi was. The 'plan' (nothing is purchased) looks to go this direction. The Subi's paid off in a year. So, I could easily change my mind next summer. And perhaps the 2013s Kizzy's used will be a good price by then.
There's not much for used Kizashi's. I don't want to spend $25K on a 2013. For the $15-$16 range. I found a silver SLS, but FWD only. I found a red GTS in AWD. Not bad options.
The wife is getting involved. When we met we both had Mustangs, her's 66, mine 99 Cobra. We have none and she really wants one. Our kids are just in grade school, so will fit decently for the next 3-5 years. After that, probably not. And that's her point, it's now or in about 15 years. She's wanting a V6 Convert.
I'd get her 09 Subi Forestor. Having owned various Subi's have always worked great for me. It's ok. But, not a sporty Sedan like the Kizashi was. The 'plan' (nothing is purchased) looks to go this direction. The Subi's paid off in a year. So, I could easily change my mind next summer. And perhaps the 2013s Kizzy's used will be a good price by then.
About the Camry. I happen to have a 2012 Camry as a rental. The quick answer is no. The best word to describe this vehicle is milquetoast. It doesn't do anything bad. It doesn't do anything great, with the exception of MPG. I'm getting about 35MPG. The car is a weird mix of floatiness and isolation interrupted by thuds over bumps. It is a rental but only has 12K miles on it.
I could see why one would get a Camry over something like a Mitsubishi sedan. I'd rather have a Chevy Malibu. While not a great car either the Malibu has more character and is more enjoyable to drive.
I could see why one would get a Camry over something like a Mitsubishi sedan. I'd rather have a Chevy Malibu. While not a great car either the Malibu has more character and is more enjoyable to drive.
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Knightstruth
- Posts: 215
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:22 pm
I think my 2012 Legacy was a great example of a jack of all trades master of none scenario like the camry. I too looked for a different car when the thought of driving the legacy for 10 years scared me alittle. I found used premium cars were still too much ( at least the reliable ones) with the acuras, lexus and infiniti holding their value well. I did not trust the european makes which are usually cheaper used but cost more to fix. Depending on what you need in a car you could find a used WRX or imprezza which are more fun to drive than the legacy. IMO the Kizashi is the best value still as the features, price and looks are still tops.
If you liked the Kizashi you had before, why not get another? You already know the drawbacks (small dealer network for warranty service, parts may be hard to come by in the future etc..) but if you can accept that then go for it again. If you're not like me and have your heart set on a manual tranny, you should be able to easily find a low mileage model with the features/color you want. I've considered everything that Kuro mentioned except for the Camry (and Accord in coupe only, manual tranny) but I'm still holding out for the perfect Kizashi before falling to a back up plan..
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Knightstruth
- Posts: 215
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:22 pm
I have to say a big NO on this! Since owning this car I've had the following issues: the bug-eyed look, questions about who makes it what is a kizashi (is it a burrito), I didn't know Suzuki makes cars and my favorite "that is such a cute jetta".
My advice avoid at all cost, run if you have to.
My advice avoid at all cost, run if you have to.
The reactions I've experienced have been rather good, though I think most drivers simply do not even recognize it at all. There have been a few instances when people have commented about it and one time, it was obvious someone was taking photos of my car as he was driving next to me.Knightstruth wrote:I have to say a big NO on this! Since owning this car I've had the following issues: the bug-eyed look, questions about who makes it what is a kizashi (is it a burrito), I didn't know Suzuki makes cars and my favorite "that is such a cute jetta".
My advice avoid at all cost, run if you have to.
Recently, a man driving a minivan pulled up alongside me as we were on a bridge and waved at me to say something. I expected him to ask for directions, but he then proceeded to ask me about my Kizashi. He asked about the fuel economy and whether I liked the car. He seemed to really like the design. I then told him Suzuki stopped imported them as they went bankrupt in the US. He then yelled, "Aww, shit!"
As for the name Kizashi; a burrito? I did not expect that. I think it sounds like a sushi item more than anything given the Japanese name. In fact, the Japanese name for sea bass is actually suzuki so a "Suzuki Kizashi" could sound like some Japanese sea bass prepared in a certain way.
As for the Jetta looks, yes, I've heard people say that. I think it applies more to the non-Sport models as they resemble the Mk.V Jetta from the front. The Sport fascia on the '11~'13 Sport GTS and SLS give it more of a distinct look from that of a Jetta in my opinion. That being said, the rear looks very different from a Jetta and closer to an Infiniti G35 in my opinion.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
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Knightstruth
- Posts: 215
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:22 pm
I was kidding FYI. I think it is an awesome car. Kizashi is kinda a cool name unique. I love peoples reaction when I tell them I drive a kizashi "did you just sneeze or is that the name of your car boy"!KuroNekko wrote:The reactions I've experienced have been rather good, though I think most drivers simply do not even recognize it at all. There have been a few instances when people have commented about it and one time, it was obvious someone was taking photos of my car as he was driving next to me.Knightstruth wrote:I have to say a big NO on this! Since owning this car I've had the following issues: the bug-eyed look, questions about who makes it what is a kizashi (is it a burrito), I didn't know Suzuki makes cars and my favorite "that is such a cute jetta".
My advice avoid at all cost, run if you have to.
Recently, a man driving a minivan pulled up alongside me as we were on a bridge and waved at me to say something. I expected him to ask for directions, but he then proceeded to ask me about my Kizashi. He asked about the fuel economy and whether I liked the car. He seemed to really like the design. I then told him Suzuki stopped imported them as they went bankrupt in the US. He then yelled, "Aww, shit!"
As for the name Kizashi; a burrito? I did not expect that. I think it sounds like a sushi item more than anything given the Japanese name. In fact, the Japanese name for sea bass is actually suzuki so a "Suzuki Kizashi" could sound like some Japanese sea bass prepared in a certain way.
As for the Jetta looks, yes, I've heard people say that. I think it applies more to the non-Sport models as they resemble the Mk.V Jetta from the front. The Sport fascia on the '11~'13 Sport GTS and SLS give it more of a distinct look from that of a Jetta in my opinion. That being said, the rear looks very different from a Jetta and closer to an Infiniti G35 in my opinion.