What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

[KuroNekko]

The top video was satirical, similar to the "Japanese Tradition" videos I posted on chopsticks and sushi.
I'd hate to own a nice car in a densely populated place that doesn't have the best road manners.
This may be better:
[youtube][/youtube]


As for changing the bulbs, yes, it sucks with the Kizashi. However, taking the time and effort to remove the bumper and headlights will reward you with full access. I simply got used to it given my low beam, high beam, and position bulbs are all aftermarket.

[bootymac]

What did I do today? Gave up on changing the headlight bulb on the driver's side. Even after unbolting the computer, removing the entire airbox and undoing the screws it shows in the owner's manual, that bracket won't come out. Better to undo all the screws and just remove the headlight assembly to change the bulb.

I'm not changing it until I get back to Alabama where I have a smooth work surface to put the bumper cover on. Really bad design on Suzuki's part.

Removing the front bumper takes less effort than trying to change the bulb from the engine bay. Sucks but almost all modern cars require it now

[KuroNekko]

What did I do today? Gave up on changing the headlight bulb on the driver's side. Even after unbolting the computer, removing the entire airbox and undoing the screws it shows in the owner's manual, that bracket won't come out. Better to undo all the screws and just remove the headlight assembly to change the bulb.

I'm not changing it until I get back to Alabama where I have a smooth work surface to put the bumper cover on. Really bad design on Suzuki's part.

Removing the front bumper takes less effort than trying to change the bulb from the engine bay. Sucks but almost all modern cars require it now

I believe it. It was a pain in my 2005 Mazda3 as well. I believe vehicle safety has a lot to do with it. Basically, there are more structural components and reinforcements around the front of the car and the headlights are typically tucked under that. While cars are getting safer, the setback can be worse accessibility to things like the bulbs and other components.

[SamirD]

As for changing the bulbs, yes, it sucks with the Kizashi. However, taking the time and effort to remove the bumper and headlights will reward you with full access. I simply got used to it given my low beam, high beam, and position bulbs are all aftermarket.

Yep, and I've got no problem doing it once I have a place to set it down that doesn't look like a cheese grater and have potential cars driving over it.

Removing the front bumper takes less effort than trying to change the bulb from the engine bay. Sucks but almost all modern cars require it now

Definitely. I removed almost the entire airbox, unbolted the computer (but didn't unplug it), and removed the screws for the bracket that's called for in the manual. I could have slid the bracket out like they wanted, but it would have sliced some wiring harness sheaths, and that is a no-no in my book. Better to just take everything off when I can.

I believe it. It was a pain in my 2005 Mazda3 as well. I believe vehicle safety has a lot to do with it. Basically, there are more structural components and reinforcements around the front of the car and the headlights are typically tucked under that. While cars are getting safer, the setback can be worse accessibility to things like the bulbs and other components.

3 hours! Granted, I took my time and a research break to get my hands warm again, but that's still a bit much for a headlight bulb. Imagine spending $100 at the dealership for a headlight bulb replacement--I'm sure people do it every day.

It's time for the headlight assemblies to have top-access bulbs, or a capsule you remove and then place back in the main housing. Or I guess with LEDs coming up, this won't even be an issue in another 5 years.

I'm changing my mind on taking off the bumper for changing the bulbs--I want to change the whole housing to the European/Aussie/Indian spec HIDs. If the headlight wiring assembly has that disconnect like it does for the USDM, I be that the other wiring harness just plugs right in with the ballasts somewhere in the assembly. Whatcha think? I can buy the assemblies and wiring harnesses from India if I have the right part numbers, and then I'll just swap over to a factory HID setup.

[KuroNekko]

As for changing the bulbs, yes, it sucks with the Kizashi. However, taking the time and effort to remove the bumper and headlights will reward you with full access. I simply got used to it given my low beam, high beam, and position bulbs are all aftermarket.

Yep, and I've got no problem doing it once I have a place to set it down that doesn't look like a cheese grater and have potential cars driving over it.

Removing the front bumper takes less effort than trying to change the bulb from the engine bay. Sucks but almost all modern cars require it now

Definitely. I removed almost the entire airbox, unbolted the computer (but didn't unplug it), and removed the screws for the bracket that's called for in the manual. I could have slid the bracket out like they wanted, but it would have sliced some wiring harness sheaths, and that is a no-no in my book. Better to just take everything off when I can.

I believe it. It was a pain in my 2005 Mazda3 as well. I believe vehicle safety has a lot to do with it. Basically, there are more structural components and reinforcements around the front of the car and the headlights are typically tucked under that. While cars are getting safer, the setback can be worse accessibility to things like the bulbs and other components.

3 hours! Granted, I took my time and a research break to get my hands warm again, but that's still a bit much for a headlight bulb. Imagine spending $100 at the dealership for a headlight bulb replacement--I'm sure people do it every day.

It's time for the headlight assemblies to have top-access bulbs, or a capsule you remove and then place back in the main housing. Or I guess with LEDs coming up, this won't even be an issue in another 5 years.

I'm changing my mind on taking off the bumper for changing the bulbs--I want to change the whole housing to the European/Aussie/Indian spec HIDs. If the headlight wiring assembly has that disconnect like it does for the USDM, I be that the other wiring harness just plugs right in with the ballasts somewhere in the assembly. Whatcha think? I can buy the assemblies and wiring harnesses from India if I have the right part numbers, and then I'll just swap over to a factory HID setup.

Honestly, if you want HIDs, go with an aftermarket kit. Getting a factory HID headlight is going to be expensive and risky. And like you mentioned, you'd have to get the additional wiring. Keep in mind that OEM HIDs have leveling control and I believe they also have the headlight washers (required in Europe for HID). Not to mention, getting replacement parts (bulbs and ballasts) will be harder and more expensive. I also don't think the factory HID performance will be significantly better than a quality aftermarket, especially for the price difference.

You're right about LED headlights. They are pretty much designed to be replacement-free. The new Toyota Corollas have them and I checked out their headlight assemblies at the auto show. Their low beam, which is LED, is completely sealed. There is no bulb cap to even get to the LEDs. It really looked like it was designed to be replacement-free and last the life of the car. Toyota is the first to offer LED headlights on a non-luxury car, however, it's only for the low beam. Luxury LED headlights from Acura and Audi are both low and high.

[SamirD]

I let the wife drive again tonight. She did really well! She was up to the speed limit, avoiding potholes and generally being decently aware. She still doesn't signal as much as she needs to and isn't as aware of people behind her, but I think she's on the right track now.

[murcod]

.....

You're right about LED headlights. They are pretty much designed to be replacement-free. The new Toyota Corollas have them and I checked out their headlight assemblies at the auto show. Their low beam, which is LED, is completely sealed. There is no bulb cap to even get to the LEDs. It really looked like it was designed to be replacement-free and last the life of the car. Toyota is the first to offer LED headlights on a non-luxury car, however, it's only for the low beam. Luxury LED headlights from Acura and Audi are both low and high.

Interesting, they've fitted the LED low beam across the range, but lower models apparently make due with rear drum brakes, no rear view camera and a 4 speed auto! Talk about mixed up priorities.

[WESHOOT2]

Today?
I drove to work; I kept it under 95.


Oh yes I did.....

[KuroNekko]

Interesting, they've fitted the LED low beam across the range, but lower models apparently make due with rear drum brakes, no rear view camera and a 4 speed auto! Talk about mixed up priorities.

Toyota has been criticized for doing this, but they have good reasons.
First, they've been battling recalls and lawsuits that have cost them millions. It wouldn't be unwise to redesign models while retaining tried-and-true major components. This saves money on their end while also ensuring the other reason: reliability.
Toyota is renown for valuing reliability over innovation. They are conservative when it comes to things that can effect reliability. They rather R&D the hell out of it and be late to offer it than jump to it and have a lot of problems.
While Toyota has had their fair share of recalls, keep in mind that the bulk of them have to do with USDM products made in the US with US supplier parts. Made in Japan/JDM models (4Runner, Land Cruiser, Prius, and most Scion and Lexus models) were not as affected.

Let's also not forget that rivals that jumped to new tech hastily are experiencing notable reliability issues. Ford's new line of EcoBoost turbocharged engines have sub-par reliability and Hyundai is also seeing problems. They jumped into direct injection and turbocharging rather fast. Nissan is also seeing problems with their CVTs, especially in larger vehicles. These problems across the board have caused industry reliability to plummet as noted recently by Consumer Reports. New technologies implemented at a wide scale has most fault in my opinion.

While the Corolla's drum brakes and 4 speed auto seem archaic, they still hold up and perform to rival cars with newer tech and do so more reliably. I also want to note Toyota does offer a CVT in higher trim Corollas.

Also, I'm not sure about Australia, but in the US, cars like the Corolla don't typically have rear-view cameras. Those are usually reserved for luxury or large vehicles like SUVs and minivans.
I'd probably voice the general American consensus with rear-view cameras on compact cars: If you need a camera to park a Corolla properly, you shouldn't be driving in the first place.

[bootymac]

Left the Kizzy at home and decided to rent a car for my field work. Got a 2014 Kia Rondo and was pleasantly impressed by it. The electric power steering allows you to adjust the amount of weight in the steering. Wish our Kizashis had that!