2011-2013 Low Mileage Kizashi SLS AWD are Good Investments?

[SamirD]

Is the SLS the top of the range in the U.S. In the UK we only got the sport, which I believe is the fully loaded version.

The SLS sport is the top trim in the US. However, even in top trim, we still don't get factory HIDs.

That's what I forgot to buy from India!

[SamirD]

I loved the responses in this thread as they say almost everything I would.

Car resale values, especially collector ones, are determined by human memories attached to the cars. This is why older restored cars do command a premium--because someone has fond memories attached to the car and is willing to pay the price to have those memories close. What's interesting is that when all the people with those memories are gone, the price of the cars drop significantly. This is why cars of the 40s are not worth as much as cars of the 50s, and why the 70s and 80s cars are starting to go up in value. Hell, I'd pay good money for a 1993 Altima SE in auto with the ABS and LSD in pristine condition--because of the memories attached to the car.

The Kizashi doesn't have this huge fanbase creating memories they will cherish a lifetime (besides us). So the niche is really small to begin with. Add to that the super-fast depreciation of the car, and there's not any resale value there except for the guy who wants to collect orphans (and typically for cheap).

We get about 2/3 the traffic we used to. (Albeit better traffic.)

I'm sorry Moto I haven't been online! Life has gotten in the way!

[KuroNekko]

However, even in top trim, we still don't get factory HIDs.

Don't forget other markets get front bumper parking sensors, headlight washers, rear fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, and Active Cruise Control systems to name a few things we don't get in North America.

I also agree with your assessment that nostalgia has a lot to do with vehicle desirability and worth. In several years, the 1976 VW camper will be worth more than my 2011 Kizashi. People love the VW bus and a lot of it has to do with image and nostalgia.

[SamirD]

However, even in top trim, we still don't get factory HIDs.

Don't forget other markets get front bumper parking sensors, headlight washers, rear fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, and Active Cruise Control systems to name a few things we don't get in North America.

I also agree with your assessment that nostalgia has a lot to do with vehicle desirability and worth. In several years, the 1976 VW camper will be worth more than my 2011 Kizashi. People love the VW bus and a lot of it has to do with image and nostalgia.

I don't know how I forgot about all these things when I was at a Suzuki dealership parking lot in India. Next time, I think I'm going to make a shopping list.

Yep, I think your bus will be worth waaaay more than the Kizashi, especially as the 60s generation gets fully into retirement mode.

[DesRado]

Yeah, I kinda agree with the Kizashi not being a sound investment. However, I want to lean towards the car gaining a cult following a little down the line... possibly. I also think that white pearl color would be the best in the long term if you can find one, as it's a classy color that shouldn't date itself. Also considering it's the only color Kizashi I haven't seen in person yet (well I guess I haven't seen Ice Blue either, but that one might get dated-- unfortunately since I really like it).

[DesRado]

One last thing, if I were ever going to or need to repaint my car, it's going to be that reveal color. I find it more to be of an almond metallic than beige though. So sweet! Maybe get some custom wheels made to match.

[redmed]

Yeah, I kinda agree with the Kizashi not being a sound investment. However, I want to lean towards the car gaining a cult following a little down the line... possibly. I also think that white pearl color would be the best in the long term if you can find one, as it's a classy color that shouldn't date itself. Also considering it's the only color Kizashi I haven't seen in person yet (well I guess I haven't seen Ice Blue either, but that one might get dated-- unfortunately since I really like it).

Hey I have a 2010 White Pearl and even rarer is that it has a manual transmission. First year, preferred color and limited models with manual Transmission.

I'm rich!

Just so you know:
I also dream at night.

[DesRado]

Yeah, I kinda agree with the Kizashi not being a sound investment. However, I want to lean towards the car gaining a cult following a little down the line... possibly. I also think that white pearl color would be the best in the long term if you can find one, as it's a classy color that shouldn't date itself. Also considering it's the only color Kizashi I haven't seen in person yet (well I guess I haven't seen Ice Blue either, but that one might get dated-- unfortunately since I really like it).

Hey I have a 2010 White Pearl and even rarer is that it has a manual transmission. First year, preferred color and limited models with manual Transmission.

I'm rich!

Just so you know:
I also dream at night.

Don't we all? I dream that my Kiz was powered by a V6 and had 280ish hp. That would be worth something I think.

[SamirD]

Yeah, I kinda agree with the Kizashi not being a sound investment. However, I want to lean towards the car gaining a cult following a little down the line... possibly. I also think that white pearl color would be the best in the long term if you can find one, as it's a classy color that shouldn't date itself. Also considering it's the only color Kizashi I haven't seen in person yet (well I guess I haven't seen Ice Blue either, but that one might get dated-- unfortunately since I really like it).

Hey I have a 2010 White Pearl and even rarer is that it has a manual transmission. First year, preferred color and limited models with manual Transmission.

I'm rich!

Just so you know:
I also dream at night.

Don't we all? I dream that my Kiz was powered by a V6 and had 280ish hp. That would be worth something I think.

But that's just the same as the Honda Accords and Camrys out there. Even 'special edition' Camrys and Accords aren't worth anything more than their non-special editions. Why? Because most people aren't willing to pay a premium for them.

[DesRado]

But that's just the same as the Honda Accords and Camrys out there. Even 'special edition' Camrys and Accords aren't worth anything more than their non-special editions. Why? Because most people aren't willing to pay a premium for them.

But they don't look like the Kizashi, nor drive like them. I like the Kizashi because it's exactly the size I currently need, has everything I wanted but nothing I didn't and looks great imo. Just wish it had a bit more bite off the line. It has enough to be fun, but not enough to get in trouble really (which is good in a way, I suppose).