The replacement

[Kazuki]

Introducing my Kizashi's replacement: A 2016 Scion iA.

After 132k the CVT in my Kizashi is toast. A local shop quoted $3100 to change it out with a used one, but I decided it's not worth it. I miss the Kiz but am loving the gas mileage of the Scion.

[Speed_Racer]

Introducing my Kizashi's replacement: A 2016 Scion iA.

After 132k the CVT in my Kizashi is toast. A local shop quoted $3100 to change it out with a used one, but I decided it's not worth it. I miss the Kiz but am loving the gas mileage of the Scion.

Going from one orphan brand to another Congrats!

[KansasKid]

Congrats yo! I hear those re-badged Mazda 2's are supposed to be pretty awesome.

What were the symptoms that your Kizashi's CVT was going out?

[RedGeminiPA]

Congrats yo! I hear those re-badged Mazda 2's are supposed to be pretty awesome.

What were the symptoms that your Kizashi's CVT was going out?

They're actually a rebadged Mazda 3, so I'm sure they're pretty decent. I'm curious about the symptoms as well.

[KuroNekko]

The Scion iA is basically a Mazda2, otherwise known as the Mazda Demio in Japan. The Scion iA has basically a different front fascia but is otherwise a rebadged Mazda2. Toyota is in a partnership with Mazda now so Mazda is building the Scion iA for them. However, Scion dissolved about a week ago and so now all Scion models will return to being Toyotas. I say return because all Scions, other than the new iA, were based on Toyota models sold overseas. While their sales faltered over the years with their stagnant models like the Scion tC, Scions were actually very reliable cars. In fact, the Scion xB often ranks as the most reliable car in America. The other models rank very high too in reliability so I think they make great commuter cars with their fuel efficiency and reliability.

I think the Scion iA is an excellent choice as a fuel efficient commuter. It's definitely a Mazda and you can tell from the interior. I've read the driving dynamics are also Mazda-like, unlike the other Scions. I thought the iA was quite impressive when I checked it out a few weeks ago at the DC Auto Show. While it's a small economy car, you get a sense of quality in the design and materials.

Sorry to hear your Kizashi's CVT crapped out on you. It really does seem like it's the weakest part of the car and some people end up needing replacement after 100,000 miles while others have good luck with them. I would also agree that it's questionable to spend thousands on a new CVT in an orphaned car with high mileage. I too would have let the Kizashi go for a newer vehicle.

Hope the Scion iA brings you many years of reliable and enjoyable driving.

[Kazuki]

Hope the Scion iA brings you many years of reliable and enjoyable driving.

Thanks, Kuro!

What were the symptoms that your Kizashi's CVT was going out?

As far as symptoms, I guess they began a couple weeks ago, though I'm not sure it was really the CVT or not. When accelerating and the engine would wind up to 4k+ I started noticing some surging that felt more like the car was missing out. At the time I attributed it to crappy gas and the car trying to reduce ping/knock.

Then Wednesday, on my way home from work it started whining - like a bad torque converter. When I started the car Thursday morning it whined very loud but then quieted to a still noticeable whine, but not terrible so I decided to try to make it to work. I made it about 10 miles. I was going up hill at 77 mph when the loud wine returned, the engine revved to 5k and my speed began to drop. I made my way over to the right shoulder and drove at 30mph or so to the next exit, pulled off, turned the car off and began making phone calls. I limped it back to town and to the local garage where it is still sitting.

[RedGeminiPA]

Wasn't there a tensioner TSB or recall for some of these? I thought I read that somewhere. That's almost what this sounds like.

[Ronzuki]

Whining and hills...that would be the deeper, baffled trans fluid pan and longer replacement pickup if I recall. Holds more fluid and helps prevent the pickup from sucking air which, of course, would be bad long term for the trans. It's a TSB, not a recall.

That little Scion sure is quite a few steps down from the Kiz. Hopefully it works out for you. Made in Mexico?

[Kazuki]

That little Scion sure is quite a few steps down from the Kiz. Hopefully it works out for you. Made in Mexico?

Yes the Scion is pretty down market. And it is made in Mexico.But i think it's going to suit my need for basic cheap transportation since I do have a pretty good commute. And with 43.4 mpg this morning I can't complain (at least not too much lol)