any known 2013 kizashi issues?

[clazzdev]

I'm considering a 2013 kizashi sport gts with ~30k miles but have some hesitation. I've read around a handful suzuki/kizashi threads that mentioned some vehicles have experienced issues with the CVT. Just wanted to hear any current 2013 kizashi owners and how they're doing with their vehicles. Are there known issues with the CVT in the 2013 model or nah? I'm really contemplating a Kizashi for the AWD + styling, but just concerned with something happening with the transmission

Thanks for any help!

[Ronzuki]

Welcome. No more so than any other vehicle with a CVT I'd imagine.
What's the trim/model and asking price for what you're looking at?

[clazzdev]

Thanks for the reply, Ronzuki! I was just hopeful that any CVT issues would be resolved in the 2013 model.

The one I'm looking at is a 2013 Sport GTS almost 25,000 miles, asking price is at about $13k, but can probably negotiate it down a bit.

[KuroNekko]

It seems like the newer models are better with CVT issues, but it's really hit and miss. Some people have had really bad luck and unloaded their Kizashis because of failing CVTs. On the contrary, there are some like Weshoot2 who abuses his AWD Kizashi and it's happily churning at 150,000 miles.
I'd say the CVT is not a known problematic component of the Kizashi and I agree with Ronzuki that it's like any brand that offers CVTs.

Here are some of the more common problems regardless of trim or drivetrain:
- Thin paint that chips easily. More a problem with darker paints like black, red, and blue.
- Rear shocks prematurely fail due to corrosion caused by faulty bump stoppers that trap moisture. There is a Technical Service Bulletin about this.
- A recent recall on automatics shifting out of park without the brake depressed.
- A recall regarding spiders entering the fuel system and making webs inside.
- Factory alignment off and causing rapid and uneven tire wear.

There are a few other issues, but nothing is really major. Most owners like their Kizashis. It's a high value car for the money.

You should check out this handy guide that Bootymac created to get a sense of what topics are often discussed here related to this car.
http://kizashiclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3192

[clazzdev]

Thanks for the input, KuroNekko! I've seen a number of your posts while lurking, so I appreciate you stepping into this thread. If a Kizashi has been sitting at a dealership, are the recall issues things that the dealer would've taken care of on their own, or would I have to get them resolved?

I understand there are large number of happy Kizashi owners that have run into no issues, while there are small, but vocal amount of others who have had terrible luck with their vehicles. As of now I really like the Kizashi, but I'm just terrified of purchasing it and ending up with a lemon less than a year later.

And thanks for providing Bootymac's guide - I'll sift through all of that later tonight

[KuroNekko]

Thanks for the input, KuroNekko! I've seen a number of your posts while lurking, so I appreciate you stepping into this thread. If a Kizashi has been sitting at a dealership, are the recall issues things that the dealer would've taken care of on their own, or would I have to get them resolved?

I understand there are large number of happy Kizashi owners that have run into no issues, while there are small, but vocal amount of others who have had terrible luck with their vehicles. As of now I really like the Kizashi, but I'm just terrified of purchasing it and ending up with a lemon less than a year later.

And thanks for providing Bootymac's guide - I'll sift through all of that later tonight

No problem.

Well, I doubt the car is at a Suzuki dealer given they don't really exist anymore in the US or Canada. Unless the car is at a Suzuki Service Dealer (former sales dealer that now does contracted service while selling another brand), you can bet the car wasn't serviced for the recalls. In fact, I have doubts a Service Dealer would bother and would just leave it up to the future owner. Hard to say for certain.

There is always a risk with buying any used car, regardless of brand. Finding a good one is a combo of looking properly for warning signs, reviewing prior history, and a bit of luck. Make sure to get the CarFax report and note what kind of service was done to it. Dealer service is almost always reflected on these reports so you'd know if the car was in at a dealer for CVT issues.

Overall, I think the Kizashi is an excellent car and is one of the few nicer family midsizes with AWD. It's refined and fun to drive. I personally can't comment too much on the CVT because I have a manual transmission. In case you don't know, the manuals and AWD are mutually exclusive on the Kizashi. All manual transmission models are FWD and all AWD models have the CVT.

Is the car far away from you? Have you had a chance to test drive it?
Read through the threads on CVT problems as many discuss the symptoms. See if this GTS displays any of them, especially once the car is warmed up.

Lastly, keep in mind that Suzuki offers a 7-year, 100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty that is fully transferable. Something like a CVT failure should be covered. You may need to fight for it, but a catastrophic failure should be covered by this warranty.
Also keep in mind that the majority of Kizashis out there have the CVT yet CVT failures aren't too common with this car. Yes, we all know of them occurring to some, but I think it represents a small minority.

[Woodie]

If a Kizashi has been sitting at a dealership, are the recall issues things that the dealer would've taken care of on their own, or would I have to get them resolved?

I very much doubt it. You should make it a point of the deal that you get new rear shocks with updated bump stops, spider eviction, and shifting out of park services done BEFORE you sign for the car.

I understand there are large number of happy Kizashi owners that have run into no issues, while there are small, but vocal amount of others who have had terrible luck with their vehicles. As of now I really like the Kizashi, but I'm just terrified of purchasing it and ending up with a lemon less than a year later.

That is true of every car, no, every thing in the world. And more of it has to do with the operators than it does the individual cars. You're taking a little more risk with a Suzuki because of the company leaving North America, but you're getting a $20K car for $13K, stick your neck out a bit.

[Ronzuki]

A 2013 GTS originally stickered for significantly more than $20k. My 2010 GTS was $20,700 out the door in 2010. But I suppose had Suzuki stayed, the $20k with 25K miles on it would be fairly close on a pre-owned lot.

The styling on the 2011-13 MY Sports is far nicer than mine. And, at 25k miles, that car's engine is just getting broken in....seriously.

If by chance the selling dealer is an ex-Suzuki dealer and current Suzuki service center, as stated, get the work done before signing. If not, I'd get whoever to knock a grand off the car for the rear shocks alone. Bring the TSB, on here somewhere, along and throw it down as a negotiating chip. I would have had to pay $850 to get the work done if the 3yr/36k B2B warranty hadn't covered it. Had it done at around 35,800 miles.

The 'spider eviction' vent tube replacement thing is a safety recall and will be no charge regardless. The shifter recall is looking like one of those do it or don't type of things. Unless something negative starts happening to my 2 affected cars, I'm taking a pass on that one.

If you're anywhere near the SE of PA, I can highly recommend the ex-dealer-now service center I use should you decide to pull the trigger.

btw, I don't just 'like' my Kizashi...I love it!

[Woodie]

If by chance the selling dealer is an ex-Suzuki dealer and current Suzuki service center, as stated, get the work done before signing. If not, I'd get whoever to knock a grand off the car for the rear shocks alone. Bring the TSB, on here somewhere, along and throw it down as a negotiating chip. I would have had to pay $850 to get the work done if the 3yr/36k B2B warranty hadn't covered it. Had it done at around 35,800 miles.

Why did you go in so early? You had 200 miles left.

That price is just criminal. You can get the parts for $160 and it takes about an hour. Anything over $400 is extortion.

[WIKizashi]

I have a 2013 AWD SE and I haven't had any problems. I sometimes get the "turbo spooling" sound that's been discussed in the CVT threads so I'm definitely paying attention to that but that's the extent of my worry.

My biggest complaint lately is the OEM tires. I'm just over 19k miles and almost down to the wear bars. I noticed a pretty significant drop in traction in the snow this winter compared to last and looked them over when I rotated the tires this past weekend. I'm kind of surprised they didn't last longer. I also took the opportunity to get a close look at the shocks and no signs of corrosion.

I have not gotten anything in the mail about the spider recall, my alignment seems OK (tire wear seems even at least), and no paint chipping issues.