Need car buying advise ASAP!

[SX4DUDE2013]

Taking a 20 hr drive tomorrow to trade in my 2008 Suzuki SX4 for a 2013 SX4 Sportback.
I HATE the sound of a CVT BUT have never drove a stick. Love the sportness to cars though. Need to make a decision in 12 hrs....WHAT TO DO! lol

[davey g-force]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

I too don't like the sound of CVT transmissions.

Are you prepared to compromise and live with it? Personally, I wouldn't. There must be another choice of vehicle (even from another manufacturer) out there which is similar to the Suzuki but without CVT.

Just my 2c...

[SX4DUDE2013]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

I too don't like the sound of CVT transmissions.

Are you prepared to compromise and live with it? Personally, I wouldn't. There must be another choice of vehicle (even from another manufacturer) out there which is similar to the Suzuki but without CVT.

Just my 2c...

Most in the US are going to CVTs.
And i am set on another sx4 due to the price. I just need to decide between a manual or cvt......ughhhhh

[davey g-force]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

Well, driving manual isn't that hard.

Best way to learn is just buy a manual car! That's what I did many years ago. My friend had to drive it home for me, but in a couple of days, I had mastered it.

[andytsang]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

Some suggestion if you decided to pickup manual.

- adjust your seat where your right foot can floor the clutch
- practice releasing the clutch w/o gas
- shift the stick softly
- if your area has hill, definitely need to learn uphill start

Between CVT or manual, one more factor for you to consider. Is this your daily driver often in stop and go traffic? If so, you might consider CVT. Manual does offer more control and more fun except rush hour. It is really no fun to drive a stick in stop & go traffic.

My $0.02.

[BillyJack]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

I hate to be a spoiler here, but do you know that Suzuki is pulling out of the US market? That means Suzuki dealers will become non-existent, as well as parts, service and warranty support in the US. Values of Suzuki vehicles are plummeting and will continue to do so. I'd start looking for suitable alternatives rather than spending my hard-earned $$ on an orphan.

Bill

[SX4DUDE2013]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

I hate to be a spoiler here, but do you know that Suzuki is pulling out of the US market? That means Suzuki dealers will become non-existent, as well as parts, service and warranty support in the US. Values of Suzuki vehicles are plummeting and will continue to do so. I'd start looking for suitable alternatives rather than spending my hard-earned $$ on an orphan.

Bill

Dealers will still be open and honoring warranty work.

[BillyJack]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

I might add that I'm a veteran dealership manager. I've been thru a similar process with both Daewoo and Isuzu in this milennium. Once a manufacturer bails out of the US market, factory support tapers off from little to nothing. Getting paid on warranty claims becomes an issue as well as parts availability. Waiting for parts to come from Japan or Korea while a car is torn apart in your service bay is a major headache, especially when you don't know if or when you'll receive payment for your warranty claim. Once I've sold out all my current new vehicle inventory, I still have responsibility to provide service for my existing customer base. When the factory no longer supports my efforts, then it's time to cut your losses and end any relationship with that manufacturer.
I'm sorry to put a damper on your efforts to get yourself a new vehicle, but I've "been there-done that" before and it was never pleasant. If a Suzuki is what you really want, so be it. Just be aware of the possible pitfalls.

Bill

[ffboy]

Re: Need car buying advise ASAP!

Why not look for other alternatives aside from the Suzuki? Another with a "traditional" automatic transmission or a manual transmission? Driving a Manual may take a bit of getting used to especially if you haven't driven one, but once mastered, it is a joy use. One plus you get with manuals is better fuel economy and better throttle response. Many automatics still **** the life out of engines so you don't really get to enjoy it.