So Why The Kizashi

[KuroNekko]

My interest in the Kizashi spawned from when I first saw one on the road. It was back in 2011 and actually in Japan. I saw one drive by and turned my head exclaiming, "What kind of Suzuki is that!? A Kizashi!?"
After I got back to the US, I read a bunch of reviews on the car and liked what I was reading. I then started to browse Autotrader once in a while to see if any were going for a good deal close to me.
Though I didn't need a newer car, I wanted to replace my 2005 Mazda3 with something that was more refined, quiet, and comfortable because of my tiring daily commute. However, I didn't want to spend a lot nor lose the fun-to-drive character of the Mazda.
After finding a 2011 Sport GTS with only 7500 miles up in Jersey City, NJ, I scrambled up there to check it out. During the test drive, I took the Kizashi on a curve and at that moment, knew I had to have this car. I bought it shortly after.

It's been about 2.5 years since and I have no regrets about buying the Kizashi. Suzuki leaving the US was a disappointment, but it didn't take away from enjoying the car itself. The car has been rather reliable and I notice that the build quality is better than many I've seen in its class. It's also a great balance of comfort, refinement, and sportiness while being an unrivaled value on the used car market.

I admittedly did not know about this forum until after I bought the car. I think it's rather wise to browse owner forums before deciding on a car to see what kind of things you can expect. Shortly after becoming a Kizashi owner, I joined here and made the forum a regular thing. Given it's such a rare car, it's good to discuss the car with other owners around the world.

I personally can't see myself letting go of this car any time soon. I'd have to find a spanking-good deal on a newer and more appealing car to move on from this one. I'm pretty much in it for the long haul and therefore have invested in personalizing the car to my tastes.
Given that the Kizashi will most likely be discontinued soon, I think I'll hang on to this rare gem as it's probably the one and only Kizashi I'll ever own.

[FrankoLaMoya]

Olé crap GolfTango... You are a lucky basta*d Good for you. I would love to have a manual transmission..

[fjroman2]

Because I could get a 6MT, 2013 with 16K miles for $9500 out the door. And I really like the looks of the Kizashi and enjoyed the test drive.

Assuming this is a true base model...no AWD...correct? Either way...great price.

[WESHOOT2]

Best ever comment about our Kizashi:

a great balance of comfort, refinement, and sportiness while being an unrivaled value

Exactly why I continue to drive mine.

[redmed]

" a great balance of comfort, refinement, and sportiness"

I fully agree and expect to have this car for a long time. This car will be ten years old and other drivers will wonder if it is a new model. Since it will probably will be the first Kizashi they have seen. I will have to keep it in good condition to achieve this, so far no problem.

[Sluggo]

Needed a AWD sedan. My wife said the passenger seat in the Kizashi was much better than the seat in the Subaru Legacy. That's really what it came down to.

[golftango]

Because I could get a 6MT, 2013 with 16K miles for $9500 out the door. And I really like the looks of the Kizashi and enjoyed the test drive.

Assuming this is a true base model...no AWD...correct? Either way...great price.

Yes this is a true base model. No AWD, no XM, no heated seats, no cruise. It does have the 6 speaker radio, 17" wheels and was worth every penny. I've ordered the Suzuki fog light kit and will be on the lookout for a leather wheel with cruise, or even a regular wheel with cruise.

[LPSISRL]

Bought an SX4, loved it. Someone on the SX4 forums discussed his recent Kizashi purchase and I began doing research on it.

Wonder if that was me?

[LPSISRL]

Back in 2009 I bought an SX4 during the "cash for clunkers" deal. Only ended paying about 11K for it brand new. Knew nothing about Suzuki or the SX4 but I wanted to get rid of one of my Chrysler mini-vans. I really liked it and had no problems with it whatsoever except a recall for loose side view mirror screws. However, the seat was too soft and gave my back fits after sitting in it for awhile. I was in the SX4 forum and every once in awhile the Kizashi was mentioned. So I started to research it. Great reviews. Great looking car. Great features. Great bang for the buck. It was at the top of my list to replace the SX4. I was impressed with the build quality of the SX4 and the fact that most everyone in the forum praised it as well. Suzuki went belly-up before I decided to buy a Kizashi. But I was going to buy one anyway. Looked at a local dealership's 2012 GTS MT that had only 8K miles for about 15K. Loved driving it and how it handled. However, it was did not look well maintained as the seats were stained, the front end chipped and the engine seemed to vibrate more than it should at idle. The wife gave it a big thumbs down. Plus I found that the MT did not let me put the seat at place where my back would stay comfortable and that was critical. Drove 185 miles to a dealer in Raleigh, NC to look at an SE CVT. They would only give me $7500 for my '09 SX4 in perfect condition with low miles. Had to walk away. Found a 2011 SLS online listed at 16K. Did an online negotiation with the dealership for an OTD price of $14995 including my SX4 trade. Drove 200 miles to Tysons Corner, VA to look at it and fell in love with it when I saw it. I had googled "twisty roads" around Tyson's Corner and the sales rep let me have the car for three hours while he went to his son's ball game. Drove the twisties and had to have it. I love the leather in the SLS, Sunroof, the RF sound system, Bluetooth with my iPhone, and the rest. I've learned to drive the CVT and have no complaints about it.I still would rather drive my Kizashi than any other vehicle.

[Engineer60]

Because there was no fooking way I could have bought any other car that handled and drove so well with all the kit we wanted at that time for the price!