Buying a 2012 Kizashi
Hi guys I recently found a 2012 Kizashi sx in Toronto very clean and low millage( 77000 km) and I’m considering buying it just wanted to ask for if there are any common problems with the model that I should be aware of before hand. Since I’m trying to decide between Kizashi or an altima.
Transmission type? AWD?
The run down: as these cars age, the CVT becomes more prone to failure. Preventative maintenance is key so the lower mileage is good. It gives you a chance to get change fluid ASAP.
The Kizashi was offered with AWD with the CVT which is something you can't find with an older Altima. Only now with a brand new Altima can you get one with AWD.
The Kizashi was also offered with a 6 speed manual but only as a FWD.
The rear suspension was prone to premature failure due to a design flaw with a bump stopper but many models had this fixed. Otherwise, issues are minor like easy to chip paint.
Overall, a great car that can be had for a very low price on the used market if you accept the fact that it's an orphaned car. Suzuki left the US and Canada over 5 years ago so parts and support are harder to obtain.
The run down: as these cars age, the CVT becomes more prone to failure. Preventative maintenance is key so the lower mileage is good. It gives you a chance to get change fluid ASAP.
The Kizashi was offered with AWD with the CVT which is something you can't find with an older Altima. Only now with a brand new Altima can you get one with AWD.
The Kizashi was also offered with a 6 speed manual but only as a FWD.
The rear suspension was prone to premature failure due to a design flaw with a bump stopper but many models had this fixed. Otherwise, issues are minor like easy to chip paint.
Overall, a great car that can be had for a very low price on the used market if you accept the fact that it's an orphaned car. Suzuki left the US and Canada over 5 years ago so parts and support are harder to obtain.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
As stated, CVT is the weak link. Low mileage is your friend, So get it serviced (properly) if you buy. Altima is also likely CVT as well(?), so that cancels out in the decision making if the Kizashi you found has one as well. Kizashi should be priced lower all things equal. Kuro's comment about rear suspension is referring to rear shocks in particular. Not a show stopper or reason to run away.
Ron
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
)
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
) 1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)-
AirRideFan
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Just curious what the Canadian Kizashi trim models consist of... What is the "SX", you mentioned above? I'm guessing it's the 3rd-best or 2nd-best model? In the USA - it goes S, SE, GTS and then SLS (for 2010 only) and then the 2011-2013's are the same except they offered the SE with Leather-seating (and CVT/AWD-only, I believe), and then the "Sport GTS" and "Sport SLS".Bahman wrote: ↑Fri Jul 05, 2019 1:47 pm Hi guys I recently found a 2012 Kizashi sx in Toronto very clean and low millage( 77000 km) and I’m considering buying it just wanted to ask for if there are any common problems with the model that I should be aware of before hand. Since I’m trying to decide between Kizashi or an altima.
Then in Australia--- can anybody from DOWN UNDER chime in and let me know on them... just interested in knowing how they offered the models to different places.
X...XLS...??
2012 KIZASHI Sport SLS ...currently riding on Rial Como wheels for the winter, size 17x7. & Speedline (thin 5 spoke, C5 Corvette) wheels for the summer time, staggered. 