Considering the Kizashi

EnfinityX · Sun Sep 25, 2011 5:24 am

traded an 02 altima in for the suzuki, dont know about reliability now, but the altima was really bad in that aspect so the newest altima was not considered in our research. Dont know how their quality is now in the altima but be careful

fusion66 · Sun Sep 25, 2011 6:04 am

EnfinityX wrote:traded an 02 altima in for the suzuki, dont know about reliability now, but the altima was really bad in that aspect so the newest altima was not considered in our research. Dont know how their quality is now in the altima but be careful

From my brief test drive the Altima seems like a compelling buy: it makes the right noises when accelerating(which it does well considering its 170 horses) and can seat four comfortably. Consumer
reports seem always to rate its reliability above average but you advise caution before buying. How
has the Kizashi been holding up EnfinityX?

rocket_man · Sun Sep 25, 2011 12:46 pm

my 200hp manual Kizashi has 3500 miles on it and runs strong, with no paint chips on the front.

Northernstar · Sun Sep 25, 2011 6:41 pm

Kizashi has really good handling and superior interior quality. But if you are a power freak then this car will disappoint you cus 180HP just isn't enough. Acceleration isn't Kizashi's strong point, even my 04 Camry V6 (210HP) can accelerate faster.

fusion66 · Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:41 pm

Honestly I came away from my test drive of a Kizashi GTS CVT with a very positive impression of its performance. The CVT seemed to make the most of the 180 horses from the 4 cylinder motor and I
really enjoyed the absence of the gear hunting that is the calling card of my Chevy's 4-spd. auto.
I told myself I could be content with the Kizashi as it is but I have a feeling that my lust for power would
soon have me trawling the internet for something to make my Kizashi faster. I'm still trying to decide if
I should pull the trigger or just be content with what I have.

EnfinityX · Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:45 pm

fusion66 wrote:
EnfinityX wrote:traded an 02 altima in for the suzuki, dont know about reliability now, but the altima was really bad in that aspect so the newest altima was not considered in our research. Dont know how their quality is now in the altima but be careful
From my brief test drive the Altima seems like a compelling buy: it makes the right noises when accelerating(which it does well considering its 170 horses) and can seat four comfortably. Consumer
reports seem always to rate its reliability above average but you advise caution before buying. How
has the Kizashi been holding up EnfinityX?

The kizashi so far has been flawless, but then again so was the altima, but in it's 6-8th year it started have a lot of gremlins and small problems which were just so annoying to get fixed. The heater no longer was hot (because of a coolant leak although it passed a pressure test) the abs sensors broke, gasket problems, and just a lot more problems than just that, that it wasnt worth it to keep it anymore.

I'll say the same to u as I say to all others consider a kizashi. It's a great car if you can accept and get over it's flaws, which is mainly off the line acceleration (cvt programming mostly as some members said a stick would solve this), and maybe gas mileage which I has been subpar for me (although some members report good numbers). Oh and the paint seems a little bit soft, so i might advise against black like I did (although i hear thats a problem with all modern water-based paint).

The good parts, its equipped wonderfully for the price, everything feels luxurious (soft touch materials, attention to detail, there is a thread for the kiz's small details), the fit and finish is wonderful, whisper quiet, and handles beautifully (saved my life twice).

Lots of + points but a few - points that are dealbreakers to some (like accel). As long as you can accept the Kiz for what it is, and take the - with the +, its a great car.

EnfinityX · Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:47 pm

fusion66 wrote:Honestly I came away from my test drive of a Kizashi GTS CVT with a very positive impression of its performance. The CVT seemed to make the most of the 180 horses from the 4 cylinder motor and I
really enjoyed the absence of the gear hunting that is the calling card of my Chevy's 4-spd. auto.
I told myself I could be content with the Kizashi as it is but I have a feeling that my lust for power would
soon have me trawling the internet for something to make my Kizashi faster. I'm still trying to decide if
I should pull the trigger or just be content with what I have.

FYI, dont count on aftermarket for this car. There are not many parts for this car, and even less for the CVT model. Unless you are planning on buying off the shelf parts and designing the whole system from scratch, it will be hard to find parts.

WESHOOT2 · Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:43 pm

Based on the fact that I have zero need for any FWD car, the AWD Kizashi was a no-brainer.

Any price is fair. Anyone here work for free?

Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:43 pm

I don't recommend Greenbrook Suzuki. Sales process was ridiculously long, had several mishaps in the service department. And their repaint job chipped within 1 week. And they damaged the car during service. I would try Suzuki of Wayne if you in the area.

chazyouwin · Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:34 pm

True, the Green Brook sales process was long. It took a few hours altogether for me as well (but I got the car out at the end on that same day). They did have a good deal on 3M protection ($400 or so) that I turned down. I don't have enough experience with their service area to comment.

However, they had quite a good selection of Kizashis in all the flavors and colors so I think if you're interested in purchasing and this is the same you might find that efficient for your time. You always can get the warranty work done elsewhere.