should I purchase a car from a defunct brand in the U.S.?

fusion66 · Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:30 pm

Has anyone had any issues with the cvt?

Knightstruth · Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:58 pm

Speed_Racer wrote: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.

This is the same for me. I got a loaded car on the cheap. Not only that but I wanted an awd sedan in the mid-size category of which there are three. I already tried the legacy and the fusion didn't do it for me.
The fit and finish cannot be beat in this price range. It really is a good drivers car.

Knightstruth · Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:03 pm

If you shopped for an entry level luxury sports sedan in 2005 this car matches up no lie. The 325xi, A4, tsx and is 250 awd all have around the same options, performance and build quality. Except the kiz cost thousands less.

Speed_Racer · Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:33 pm

Knightstruth wrote:
Speed_Racer wrote: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.
This is the same for me. I got a loaded car on the cheap. Not only that but I wanted an awd sedan in the mid-size category of which there are three. I already tried the legacy and the fusion didn't do it for me.
The fit and finish cannot be beat in this price range. It really is a good drivers car.

I loved that I could have the 6-speed and not have crank windows. I'm being slightly facetious, but good luck finding a manual sedan that's not the stripper model anymore. It really fit a unique niche in the market (regarding availabe AWD as well)

fusion66 · Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:39 pm

I recently drove a 2013 Nissan Altima (rental) and I found the cvt to be one of the best of its kind but the engine rather noisy. The 2011 Kizashi I drove several years ago compares very favorably to the Altima but with a quieter engine.

Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:47 pm

fusion66 wrote:I recently drove a 2013 Nissan Altima (rental) and I found the cvt to be one of the best of its kind but the engine rather noisy. The 2011 Kizashi I drove several years ago compares very favorably to the Altima but with a quieter engine.

The CVT in the Kizashi is made by the same company that supplies Nissans with their CVTs. The maker is called JATCO and it once used to be part of Nissan. It was created by Nissan engineers.

fusion66 · Thu Aug 22, 2013 4:32 am

The calibration of the cvt in the Kizashi is integral to the car's status as a driver's car. For me, a smooth and responsive transmission is more important than how quickly a car can accelerate to 60 mph from rest. i could have brought a Kizashi in 2010 but I decided to wait for a 2011's, thinking it would be better-it wasn't. The older car had a powertrain that seemed to maximize the power on tap. The combination of ride, handling and even acceleration were satisfying and immersive. By comparison, the 2011 seemed dull and plodding, the cvt in particular just seemed to amplify the drone from the engine making the car seem slow. It was probably more about me than the car but I didn't want it and the 2010 had been sold so I never pulled the trigger. the Kizashi is a tough act to follow. I've driven several cars during the past 3 weeks-a 2013 Altima, a 2013 Optima and a 2012 Buick Verano, and the best of the bunch is the Verano. It compeers to the Kizashi in powertrain refinement and surpasses it in quietness and isolation from road noise but it does not engage the driver like the Kizashi. The steering isn't as precise and the seats aren't as supportive (and lack power adjustment). And at $20k its was a little pricey, although it is certified. I think I could snag a very nice 2010-11 Kizashi for ~$15K if I'm willing to travel a bit. the Altima has an excellent cvt but the engine is surprisingly coarse in sound and feel. Nice interior though and it has power seats even on the base model. The Optima has a fairly smooth powertrain but the handling and ride were unremarkable in my opinion. My only reservation with the Kizashi is the reliabilty of its cvt.To repair or replace one would be a nightmare scenario particularly within a dwindling number of service centers. this prospect alone might push me into the Buick camp. Haven't decided, still looking.

Woodie · Thu Aug 22, 2013 11:53 am

fusion66 wrote:The calibration of the cvt in the Kizashi is integral to the car's status as a driver's car. For me, a smooth and responsive transmission is more important than how quickly a car can accelerate to 60 mph from rest.

I agree with this statement completely, but am bewildered as to why you would buy any automatic if that is your outlook. Automatics completely ruin any car, unless you have no left leg, I can't fathom buying one.

Thu Aug 22, 2013 12:10 pm

Woodie wrote:
fusion66 wrote:The calibration of the cvt in the Kizashi is integral to the car's status as a driver's car. For me, a smooth and responsive transmission is more important than how quickly a car can accelerate to 60 mph from rest.
I agree with this statement completely, but am bewildered as to why you would buy any automatic if that is your outlook. Automatics completely ruin any car, unless you have no left leg, I can't fathom buying one.

I've always felt this way as well....getting older changes things. And, with the paddle shifters (manual mode) I still very much enjoy the driving experience. Most autos have a manual mode. Heck, even our new 2500 GMC company truck has the manual mode.

The Kizashi being a tough act to follow statement is probably the truest fact of all regarding this car. BTW, I drove a new Verano and a new Fusion before purchasing the Kizashi. Similarly priced (but higher) as the Kiz, hoever, both lacking the AWD. Not as good value, and, simply just not as refined as the Kiz from the driving/handling perspective as has been mentioned numerous times in comparison comments.

Thu Aug 22, 2013 4:16 pm

A true manual will always be more fun, but the Kizzy's CVT with manual shifting is a good compromise. I'm actually quite impressed with it to be honest; I was very hesitant after reading about how lethargic CVT is in other vehicles

OP: If you can get a Kizashi for a good price, it's an unbeatable value.