What color is your Kizashi, & do you have paint chips ?

[BOURDON]

Just checked mine... Manufactured in February 2010. That's pretty darn recent, so it remains a possibility that they fixed this problem. I look my Kizashi over closely on a daily basis, and not a single chip as of yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't coming.

We need dates off the chipped cars now...

Hey ... I found the sister of mine!!!

[Hawkzilla]

Just checked mine... Manufactured in February 2010. That's pretty darn recent, so it remains a possibility that they fixed this problem. I look my Kizashi over closely on a daily basis, and not a single chip as of yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't coming.

We need dates off the chipped cars now...

Hey ... I found the sister of mine!!!

Um, make that BIG brother and I would agree. lol So ours were manufactured in 02/2010 and neither have the chip problem as of yet... correct?

[BOURDON]

Ok.... BIG Brother... hé hé hé...

No problem until now. But I am only 250 km (155 miles) on the highway on a total of 600 km (372 miles). I've had only one week and yet it's still perfectly black!

[stapletondoc]

Platinum Silver....made in December 2009....have a few small chips

[avmustang]

Well, due to the continued paint problems, I'm no longer interested in buying a Kizashi. I'm disappointed in that, but I've found a car that meets my needs. I am purchasing a VW Golf 2-door. I know it doesn't look as good as the Kizashi, has about 10 less HP, one less gear (I'm getting a manual), and doesn't handle as well, and doesn't come with as much standard equipment. I can live without push button start. However, it has a very high quality interior, is fun to drive and quiet, and I got it for $900 below invoice by doing research and cross shopping dealerships (even ones an hour away) and making counter offers. A neat little ride (still made in Germany), and an absolute steal at $17,035. I worked hard to get that low. Of course I'm putting on some aftermarket 18" alloys and wider tires, because it comes with puny ones (save for winter). I'm a happy guy now.

I will probably not be involved much in the Kizashi forum anymore, but I wish everyone the best of luck with their Kizashis. It is still a hell of a good looking ride, and quality vehicle. Just ante up for the 3M film people, and your car will be set.


Keep pressing Suzuki on the paint issue. Get a hold of Gene Brown if you can, VP of American Suzuki.


Take care everyone.



Anthony (avmustang), soon to be avgolf, hehe.

[gaww]

Well, due to the continued paint problems, I'm no longer interested in buying a Kizashi. I'm disappointed in that, but I've found a car that meets my needs.

I will probably not be involved much in the Kizashi forum anymore, but I wish everyone the best of luck with their Kizashis. It is still a hell of a good looking ride, and quality vehicle. Just ante up for the 3M film people, and your car will be set.


Keep pressing Suzuki on the paint issue. Get a hold of Gene Brown if you can, VP of American Suzuki.


Take care everyone.



Anthony (avmustang), soon to be avgolf, hehe.

Good luck.

I would have not have made a negative buying decision on the paint issue alone, and it looks like MAYBE the latter manufactured units have corrected the problem. Suzuki would be foolish not to address this at the source going forward.

[Hawkzilla]

Good luck on the VW... not a very reliable company IMO. Hopefully they have improved greatly since the crap they were turning out in the early 2000s.

[freeperjim]

Recently found this forum during Kizashi research - a wealth of information from owners! I'm interested in a GTS or SLS in Black Pearl Metallic and the "paint issue" is troubling especially on a dark color.

On another issue, how is the mechanical quality & overall fit&finish so far with this new car?

Always a bit hesitant on a new model and the typical teething pains but I love the interior, the exterior is OK in a subtle way and the dimensions are perfect for what I am seeking. I prefer a 6-speed MT which seems to be rather rare & hard to locate.

Thanks, Guys!

[Hawkzilla]

Recently found this forum during Kizashi research - a wealth of information from owners! I'm interested in a GTS or SLS in Black Pearl Metallic and the "paint issue" is troubling especially on a dark color.

On another issue, how is the mechanical quality & overall fit&finish so far with this new car?

Always a bit hesitant on a new model and the typical teething pains but I love the interior, the exterior is OK in a subtle way and the dimensions are perfect for what I am seeking. I prefer a 6-speed MT which seems to be rather rare & hard to locate.

Thanks, Guys!

I'm at 1,700 miles, Azure Gray SLS AWD.

I have had zero paint chips (knock on wood) and only one slow start, which I credited to a young engine that was not fully broken in. Other than that and fighting with the stereo volume fluctuating (which I figured out was a feature I needed to turn off), I have not had any issues with my Kizashi.

CONS (on my car)-
Poor acceleration from 0-15mph (after 15mph it has no problem)
Engine noise during acceleration can be annoying
Seats are a bit stiff (but I'm guessing that will improve as they break-in)

PROS -
Style inside and out (it really is a beautiful car)
18" Wheels
Ergonomics are spot on (and I'm 6'2")
Tons of extras (almost too many)
On-the-fly AWD/FWD switch (though make sure your wheels are straight when you do this)
Trunk space
Gas mileage (I got 30mpg at 80mph... impressive)
Fun car to drive (suspension is top-notch and it corners like it's on rails)

All things considered, this has been a great value for the price. No buyers remorse as of yet.

[freeperjim]

I'm at 1,700 miles, Azure Gray SLS AWD.

I have had zero paint chips (knock on wood) and only one slow start, which I credited to a young engine that was not fully broken in. Other than that and fighting with the stereo volume fluctuating (which I figured out was a feature I needed to turn off), I have not had any issues with my Kizashi.

CONS (on my car)-
Poor acceleration from 0-15mph (after 15mph it has no problem)
Engine noise during acceleration can be annoying
Seats are a bit stiff (but I'm guessing that will improve as they break-in)

PROS -
Style inside and out (it really is a beautiful car)
18" Wheels
Ergonomics are spot on (and I'm 6'2")
Tons of extras (almost too many)
On-the-fly AWD/FWD switch (though make sure your wheels are straight when you do this)
Trunk space
Gas mileage (I got 30mpg at 80mph... impressive)
Fun car to drive (suspension is top-notch and it corners like it's on rails)

All things considered, this has been a great value for the price. No buyers remorse as of yet.

Thanks, Hawkzilla! (quite a screen name, there!)

Re: your CONS:
1. Speed 0-15 I assume is partly due to the lower HP from the CVT and the extra weight of the AWD system? Since I am focused on the FWD 6MT, should I expect acceleration to be noticeably quicker?

2. Engine noise - that's the first time I've read that comment. Is it the engine or more the tuning of the exhaust system?

3. I tend to prefer firm/stiff seats esp since I do long highway trips from time to time. So your CON is actually a PRO for me.


I definitely like the largish trunk since I use it in my business and travel in US with high-end electronics I import to demo at dealers. Some can be a bit heavy so a low liftover would be beneficial.

Nice MPG at 80mph!

Thanks again for your feedback - much appreciated!