Why do I want (or not want) a Suzuki SX4

In reply to Wally:

Yeah, I've heard about that fix, and may throw one on the next Amazon order.

Turds.

I thrashed an AWD manual car. It was slow, not particularly good handling, and provided very little in the way of fun. I was really looking forward to driving it, and completely hated it. My son was convinced that it was the answer to his winter commute. Then he drove one. The motor has potential, and is the best of that series j20 motors. Very stout.

tuna55 wrote: Also lack of stellar fuel economy. Basically, Suzuki built a PT Cruiser.

More like an Impreza alternative - that will probably be a lot more reliable.

Billy_Bottle_Caps wrote:

Duke wrote: I didn't think you could get AWD and manual trans in the same car. Could easily be wrong.

From what I am seeing on the webs, you are correct

Klayfish wrote: I could be wrong, but I think the manual/AWD combo disappeared for the last few model years. I'm pretty sure I was told it was not available for a 2013 model.

Correct, earlier years had it the later ones went to CVT or AT like the kizashi, which is also a car that fits this bucket of interesting albeit not a hatch.

I was thinking of finding one of these for an open light build for rally would be fun and a little scary, also I believe there is turbo kits for them. BUT this is all fictitious money speaking.

fidelity101 wrote: BUT this is all fictitious money speaking.

Hey, don't you go bringing up money in this day-dreaming most likely never come to fruition thread I've got going on here. Shame on you.

I like the SX4 because it's different. It may not be the best at everything but it is unique. This thread prompted a quick gander at CL and Autotrader. I need this in my life:

Cool find on Autotrader

stanger_missle wrote: I like the SX4 because it's different. It may not be the best at everything but it is unique. This thread prompted a quick gander at CL and Autotrader. I need this in my life: Cool find on Autotrader

AND its not a Subaru.

Very few small car/stick/awd combo out there that isn't one.

I want one because rocky-road.com makes lift kits, skid plates, and rock sliders for them:

And some people go further:

That's pretty cool ^

But...

Skeptical opinion time. This applies to Subarus too. The only reason I see to buy an SX4 or Impreza over of any of the excellent hatchbacks on sale these days seems to be the option of awd. In my experience a small fwd car with a good set of snow tires can be pretty darn competent in the snow and slippy stuff while getting better fuel mileage. If I had to tackle anything beyond that I think I'd want to step into something with more ground clearance/off road capability anyway, like an Outback or small SUV.

So earlier today I wrote about the rarity of actually seeing one of these localy. Then, this afternoon out while running a errand I see a sedan version on the road traveling West as I go East.
Later I was going West on the same road and see the sedan parked at the local Taco Bell.
About an hour later while traveling South in the same general area I see the same sedan going North.

Yeah, see the same car three times in an hour.

The sedan was never offered in AWD.

Nope, just the "Sportback" vesion got AWD.

My friend go one AWD/MT. We refer to it as the SeX4.

I drove an awd/manual one at work and loved it. It's an econo car, for sure, and it isn't fast, but it was fun to drive fast! I do own an Esteem, though, so my opinion may not matter. I think they're cool and worth getting if you can find a cheap one. It's a Suzuki motor, not a Daewoo, so it has that going for it.

They suck. Sorry but they do. I bought a nice loaded low mileage awd hatch for a commuter car. Gas mileage was dismal. I could average 24 at a constant 65mph with the cruise on - all highway. Mix in any in town or speeds greater than 65 and you're down in the 20 range. My huge Ford Flex eats less fuel, is much faster and handles better to make a weird comparison. The engine is gutless and noisy. Suzuki no longer really supports them and they're resale is zilch...which might be a positive for some folks. They are awesome in the snow but there are much better Japanese options. Could be a rally car if you like something slow with a high Cg. I no longer have the commute so I dumped mine in trade for a 3.7 Mustang and never looked back. The Mustang gets a legit 28mpg @ 80 mph and has >2x the power. I'll grab a winter beater if I need one.

I loved it on paper. I had been looking at the AWD/manual very hard. Also, IIRC, the AWD was selectable, 2/4/and possibly 4 lock. I really liked that as I have seasonal roads and state trails all around my house.

Legroom killed me. Up front it felt as it had maybe as much as my neons, and I always wished I had an extra 2" in those. I could tell my knees would hate me after more than 30 minutes.

I truly wanted to love it.

At the price point, there is no compelling reason to buy this over... well, there are multiple options here. I can't find a scenario where this is the better vehicle. Either a Vibtrix, or an Imprezza, or an Escape, or a Camry, or a whatever, will always win.

I not want one now. Thanks for the honest feedback, all.

I still want one. I don't care what all these crazy people think.

Crazy? Perhaps. But I owned this car for 3 years and over 65k miles and like the poster above said..there is no compelling reason to buy this car. A Matrix or Vibe with awd would do anything this car can do and be more efficient and reliable and have a parts network available. In case you haven't noticed Suzuki pulled out of the US market. Service parts are easy to get but good luck if you need anything beyond that.

It was so close to being amazing.

In reply to ultraclyde:

avoid rocky-road they dont have the best reputation in the samurai/sidekick/toyota world.

check this http://clubsx4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78

Slightly different engine than the 2010 and beyond cars got. Hopefully mine doesn't do that.

Slowlane wrote: Crazy? Perhaps. But I owned this car for 3 years and over 65k miles and like the poster above said..there is no compelling reason to buy this car. A Matrix or Vibe with awd would do anything this car can do and be more efficient and reliable and have a parts network available. In case you haven't noticed Suzuki pulled out of the US market. Service parts are easy to get but good luck if you need anything beyond that.

And none of that matters because the Suzuki is compelling and the Vibe/Matrix is not in the least bit compelling.

My mother-in-law owns and drives from Erie,pa (the snowest city in the US) to a equally or worse city Chautauqua,NY 5 days a week. She puts 26k+ miles a year. Gets high 20's near 30's. Fairly reliable winter drivable vehicle.