Platinum, are you saying the Kizashi's cvt simply doesn't cut it as far as you're concerned?PlatinumGTS wrote:Couldn't agree more. I just had a 2011 Nissan Sentra rental and it took me a while to realize it was a cvt. Big difference over the Kizashi. Very smooth and good power. Rest of the car couldn't compare though.I've read that Jatco supplies CVT's to both Suzuki and Nissan but calibrates the units differently for Nissan with the emphasis being on performance rather than economy, garnering praise from pundits for the "feel" of the Altima in real world driving situations. My lasting impression of a test drive of a 4 cyl. Altima in early 2010 largely confirms this: the cvt seemed to work seamlessly with the engine and never called attention to itself as it enabled the 4 banger to propel the car rapidly even from a stop.
Considering the Kizashi
My Caliber had the same CVT as my Kizashi, the JATCO JF011E. The perform in a similar fashion. I drove an Altima and the CVT performed pretty much the same as my Kizashi. The biggest difference i noticed between my Kizashi and my Caliber was the noise level. My caliber was much louder, especially when i was hustling it.
One thing i really like about my Kizzy is it's relaxed cruising. At 60MPH, it is only turning 1800RPM. Not only does it NOT drone on the highway, it's actually hard to hear. Obviously if you put your foot in it and the RPMS jump to 5-6 grand, you are going to hear it, as you should, but normal cruising is very quiet and refined.
One thing i really like about my Kizzy is it's relaxed cruising. At 60MPH, it is only turning 1800RPM. Not only does it NOT drone on the highway, it's actually hard to hear. Obviously if you put your foot in it and the RPMS jump to 5-6 grand, you are going to hear it, as you should, but normal cruising is very quiet and refined.
2010 Kizashi S AWD
2009 Suzuki SX-4 Touring AWD
2008 Smart fortwo Passion Coupe
2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
2009 Suzuki SX-4 Touring AWD
2008 Smart fortwo Passion Coupe
2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
No trade-in, I'm leasing.fusion66 wrote:Thank you for the information and I will certainly be headed for Bergenfield in the future. Did you have a trade in firefly?Firefly wrote:If you are in the NYC area, Bergenfield Suzuki (NJ) might be worth the trip. Eager to offer me a test drive and worked out good deal.fusion66 wrote: Onto the next dealership which couldn't possibly be worse than Bronx Suzuki.
Former driver of a 2011 SLS AWD Platinum
X2 - a bit of tire noise, but no wind noise and no offensive exhaust noiseBlackbelt wrote:One thing i really like about my Kizzy is it's relaxed cruising. At 60MPH, it is only turning 1800RPM. Not only does it NOT drone on the highway, it's actually hard to hear.
2011 Sport SLS with nav Black Pearl Metallic
My test drive adventures thus far: I visited a Suzuki dealership this afternoon in Nassau county and was given
a red SLS w cvt (w/o AWD). The interior of the car really impressed with firm and supportive leather seats and
very good fit and finish. The salesman (not aggressive, rather detached) directed me to a service road and prompted me to "open her up" , out of respect for a machine that didn't belong to me I accelerated "briskly" to gauge the whether the cvt was a help or a hindrance to the proceedings and I think it was a help. The car took off in a way that surprised and delighted me, just a smooth continuous flow of power accompanied by a muted thrum from the engine and, best of all, no shift shock. It actually felt quicker than my Chevrolet (although it probably isn't) and the steering was well weighted and the handling secure. I don't know about long term but during the test drive I did not wish for a larger or more powerful engine, the I4 seemed good enough. I vaguely discussed the Chevy as my possible (read "definite") trade-in
but we didn't discuss numbers. Nassau county residents seem to buy a lot of foreign cars and few American ones so I don't
have high hopes but everything is negotiable I suppose. Next stop was a Nissan dealership in Westchester.
Took a base 2012 2.5L Altima out for a brief run down a service road and up a few moderately steep hills and despite the penalties of being heavier and less powerful the Nissan felt a bit quicker than the Suzuki. The seats in the Nissan were very supportive although wider and somewhat softer than the perches in the Kizashi and they did not have power assist. I don't need climate control, a sunroof , a high spec stereo or navigation-the Nissan lacked all of those features-but I will not do without at least a powered drivers seat. The Altima engine never sounded strained except when accelerating up a fairly steep hill and honestly I found this preferable to the gear hunting such an incline would elicit from the Chevrolet's 4 spd. The ride was firm and in no way harsh or jarring but it didn't handle quite as securely as the Kizashi. On the other hand the Nissan's seats were more comfortable than the Suzuki's and it had more shoulder room. I give a slight edge to the Nissan for maximizing the cvt/engine interface and delivering a level performance that exceeded my modest expectations. The salesmen stated that the only 2011 at that dealership was a floor model SL (probably a lie) and that I should get "around" KBB wholesale for my Chevrolet if it checks out (probably a lie as well). The salesman was very low key and I never felt pressured to buy. I offered to buy gas (the salesman declined) and I left with a positive impression of the car and that dealership. My last stop was at a Volkswagen dealership in the same town t o check out the new Jetta. Didn't ask for a drive (salesperson seemed a little snooty) but the cabin didn't give good vibes as the vaunted "german build quality"seems to have gone out the window in order to compete with Corollas and Civics: dashboard and door panels covered in hard plastic, cheap looking and loose feeling gear selector
and hvac controls and tinny, hollow sounding doors. The Jetta was the least expensive at $20500 but it just didn't appeal to me, maybe it drives like a ball of fire but I rather doubt it.
In closing I enjoyed the Kizashi quite alot and the Nissan more than I thought I would. Neither car seemed underpowered and the cvt's in both cars were unobtrusive and seemed to make effective use of the narrow powerband of the motors they were attached to. The kizashi engages the driver more but the Nissan is more hushed and slightly more comfortable. The kizashi had paddle shifters which I briefly used but I made the engine bog more than once so I never returned to them, however the car accelerated very well with the transmission left in "D" so maybe paddle shifting is not so important after all. The Altima didn't have paddle shifters and I didn't miss them. I may try Bergenfield Suzuki in the future and perhaps one more Nissan dealership to get an idea of what my Chevy would be worth in determining if I pull the trigger.
I have also been considering a 2011 base Mustang V6 which can be had for around the same price as the Altima and less than the Kizashi GTS. I may pass because a Mustang may attract unwanted attention, would be more expensive to insure (especially in NYC) and it requires snowtires in order to be driven in the winter (an added expense). I must also come to terms with the prospect of trading in my Impala that is running well and has full warranty coverage. Will I ever be satisfied?
a red SLS w cvt (w/o AWD). The interior of the car really impressed with firm and supportive leather seats and
very good fit and finish. The salesman (not aggressive, rather detached) directed me to a service road and prompted me to "open her up" , out of respect for a machine that didn't belong to me I accelerated "briskly" to gauge the whether the cvt was a help or a hindrance to the proceedings and I think it was a help. The car took off in a way that surprised and delighted me, just a smooth continuous flow of power accompanied by a muted thrum from the engine and, best of all, no shift shock. It actually felt quicker than my Chevrolet (although it probably isn't) and the steering was well weighted and the handling secure. I don't know about long term but during the test drive I did not wish for a larger or more powerful engine, the I4 seemed good enough. I vaguely discussed the Chevy as my possible (read "definite") trade-in
but we didn't discuss numbers. Nassau county residents seem to buy a lot of foreign cars and few American ones so I don't
have high hopes but everything is negotiable I suppose. Next stop was a Nissan dealership in Westchester.
Took a base 2012 2.5L Altima out for a brief run down a service road and up a few moderately steep hills and despite the penalties of being heavier and less powerful the Nissan felt a bit quicker than the Suzuki. The seats in the Nissan were very supportive although wider and somewhat softer than the perches in the Kizashi and they did not have power assist. I don't need climate control, a sunroof , a high spec stereo or navigation-the Nissan lacked all of those features-but I will not do without at least a powered drivers seat. The Altima engine never sounded strained except when accelerating up a fairly steep hill and honestly I found this preferable to the gear hunting such an incline would elicit from the Chevrolet's 4 spd. The ride was firm and in no way harsh or jarring but it didn't handle quite as securely as the Kizashi. On the other hand the Nissan's seats were more comfortable than the Suzuki's and it had more shoulder room. I give a slight edge to the Nissan for maximizing the cvt/engine interface and delivering a level performance that exceeded my modest expectations. The salesmen stated that the only 2011 at that dealership was a floor model SL (probably a lie) and that I should get "around" KBB wholesale for my Chevrolet if it checks out (probably a lie as well). The salesman was very low key and I never felt pressured to buy. I offered to buy gas (the salesman declined) and I left with a positive impression of the car and that dealership. My last stop was at a Volkswagen dealership in the same town t o check out the new Jetta. Didn't ask for a drive (salesperson seemed a little snooty) but the cabin didn't give good vibes as the vaunted "german build quality"seems to have gone out the window in order to compete with Corollas and Civics: dashboard and door panels covered in hard plastic, cheap looking and loose feeling gear selector
and hvac controls and tinny, hollow sounding doors. The Jetta was the least expensive at $20500 but it just didn't appeal to me, maybe it drives like a ball of fire but I rather doubt it.
In closing I enjoyed the Kizashi quite alot and the Nissan more than I thought I would. Neither car seemed underpowered and the cvt's in both cars were unobtrusive and seemed to make effective use of the narrow powerband of the motors they were attached to. The kizashi engages the driver more but the Nissan is more hushed and slightly more comfortable. The kizashi had paddle shifters which I briefly used but I made the engine bog more than once so I never returned to them, however the car accelerated very well with the transmission left in "D" so maybe paddle shifting is not so important after all. The Altima didn't have paddle shifters and I didn't miss them. I may try Bergenfield Suzuki in the future and perhaps one more Nissan dealership to get an idea of what my Chevy would be worth in determining if I pull the trigger.
I have also been considering a 2011 base Mustang V6 which can be had for around the same price as the Altima and less than the Kizashi GTS. I may pass because a Mustang may attract unwanted attention, would be more expensive to insure (especially in NYC) and it requires snowtires in order to be driven in the winter (an added expense). I must also come to terms with the prospect of trading in my Impala that is running well and has full warranty coverage. Will I ever be satisfied?
Last edited by fusion66 on Wed Sep 21, 2011 4:44 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Nice write up fusion66. I agree on the Jetta, VW really cheapened the poor thing. I have always been a VW fan, but i do not like the direction they are taking.
A few things to think about.
The Kizashi should end up costing you less money that an Altima. I ended up paying $17,900 for my AWD "S". There are better incentives and better deals for Kizashis and all Suzukis.
It sounds like a Kizashi "SE" would fit the bill for you. You should be able to pick up a FWD CVT SE for around $20K, maybe a little less. AWD would be around $1400 more. When comparing apples to apples with the Nissan, the Suzuki will give you more car for less money. I am not ripping on the Altima, it's a good car.
Keep the warranty in mind as well. Suzuki 7/100 transferrable Vs Nissan 5/60
A few things to think about.
The Kizashi should end up costing you less money that an Altima. I ended up paying $17,900 for my AWD "S". There are better incentives and better deals for Kizashis and all Suzukis.
It sounds like a Kizashi "SE" would fit the bill for you. You should be able to pick up a FWD CVT SE for around $20K, maybe a little less. AWD would be around $1400 more. When comparing apples to apples with the Nissan, the Suzuki will give you more car for less money. I am not ripping on the Altima, it's a good car.
Keep the warranty in mind as well. Suzuki 7/100 transferrable Vs Nissan 5/60
2010 Kizashi S AWD
2009 Suzuki SX-4 Touring AWD
2008 Smart fortwo Passion Coupe
2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
2009 Suzuki SX-4 Touring AWD
2008 Smart fortwo Passion Coupe
2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD
-
chazyouwin
- Posts: 402
- Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:57 pm
- Location: Northern New Jersey USA
Yes, terrific write-up Fusion. A few months prior to purchasing the Kizashi, I also drove an Altima and a Maxima. The dealer didn't have any room to negotiate, or so he said, and so there was no deal. I didn't really feel there was anything special about those cars and they were not making me feel particularly special, so they were not considered. The drive did not seem like anything special either, but then again, these were 2010 models not 2011.
The 7 yr 100,000 warranty (no deductible and transferable) can be very important - one of our two 2002 Suzuki XL-7s (purchased used) developed a leaky oil pan seal in the last six months or so of coverage and it was replaced without a problem. The dealer rep initially thought Suzuki would not cover on the ground that it was not a drive train issue, but I convinced her to ask Suzuki and they did cover. According to the invoice, the dealer charged over $1000 to Suzuki for that repair and had wanted to charge me that initially too until I convinced otherwise.
Good luck with whatever you purchase. We enjoy reading your commentary.
The 7 yr 100,000 warranty (no deductible and transferable) can be very important - one of our two 2002 Suzuki XL-7s (purchased used) developed a leaky oil pan seal in the last six months or so of coverage and it was replaced without a problem. The dealer rep initially thought Suzuki would not cover on the ground that it was not a drive train issue, but I convinced her to ask Suzuki and they did cover. According to the invoice, the dealer charged over $1000 to Suzuki for that repair and had wanted to charge me that initially too until I convinced otherwise.
Good luck with whatever you purchase. We enjoy reading your commentary.
2010 Kizashi SLS FWD Gray; 2013 Grand Vitara 4wd red; 2012 SX4 blue; 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV black
Previous: 2002 XL-7 Limited (2); 1992 Accord; '91 Volvo; '85 Toyota; '84 Celica; '73 Mercedes.
Previous: 2002 XL-7 Limited (2); 1992 Accord; '91 Volvo; '85 Toyota; '84 Celica; '73 Mercedes.
I might consider a less expensive model (sans paddle shifters) because the cvt seems to do pretty well without my assistance. I'm leaning toward the Kizashi but I'm concerned about the marques long term commitment to this market for their automobiles (and the Kizashi in particular) and whether they will give me a fair price for my Impala. Someone on this board has recommended Bergenfield Suzuki for their fair practices and will be paying them a visit very soon. I will post again.Blackbelt wrote:Nice write up fusion66. I agree on the Jetta, VW really cheapened the poor thing. I have always been a VW fan, but i do not like the direction they are taking.
A few things to think about.
The Kizashi should end up costing you less money that an Altima. I ended up paying $17,900 for my AWD "S". There are better incentives and better deals for Kizashis and all Suzukis.
It sounds like a Kizashi "SE" would fit the bill for you. You should be able to pick up a FWD CVT SE for around $20K, maybe a little less. AWD would be around $1400 more. When comparing apples to apples with the Nissan, the Suzuki will give you more car for less money. I am not ripping on the Altima, it's a good car.
Keep the warranty in mind as well. Suzuki 7/100 transferrable Vs Nissan 5/60
Another area you may want to look into is how the car will hold up in the long term. I have been around a few Altimas and Nissans over the last few years, and noticed they get noisy and rattly after a short while. My feeling is that the build quality of the Kizashi is above the Altima.
Former driver of a 2011 SLS AWD Platinum