2007 Suzuki SX4

erics6

Convenience package at $300 is fair. Problem with the Sport is the total price with destination. I really would like stability control but $17k sticker is getting up into Subaru territory. I can pick up a base Legacy Outback for $18.5k. I'll wait and see what the street prices end up at. If I can get one subtancially below invoice, I'll consider it.

kernick

A base '07 Outback invoice with delivery is $21,350 according to Edmund's. I know there's a $750 rebate in my area, tough your area might be higher? I think I've seen one advertised for slightly less then $20K, but I think there were a bunch of fees tacked on. I would guess for most of us that we would be looking at $20.5K without tax.

And that price does not get you stability control or an upgraded stereo. And the warranty is so-so. I get a $500 Suzuki rebate. An Outback would cost me $4K more. If I want an Outback with stability control I'm looking at closer to $30K.

This forum really isn't for a comparision to other models, so maybe you want to start a different topic somewhere. But most people aren't going to see the Legacy Outback as a direct competitot either in size or price when comparing them similarly equipped.

erics6

Not talking sticker. I'm talking real-world street prices. Base 5 speed Outbacks are advertised for $18.5k. The Outback has more space, bigger engine (with about the same EPA mileage) and doesn't need the longer warranty, since they have the perception of being reliable.

Suzuki is like the Korean car companies and Chevy. They need something to differentiate themselves from the brands that are perceived as being more reliable. I applaud Suzuki for offering the 10yr/100k warranty, however around here they’re going to need to build a better dealer network. I'm in a pretty big market and the 5 dealers are trailer park operations. Only one is stand-alone and it seems to focus on used car sales. I can't imagine warranty service at these dealers. :-() A couple of the bigger dealers in the area have recently dropped their Suzuki franchises.

It is important to look at the SX4 price point. It does have a lot going for it, but there are other options too. I think the real world prices of the SX4 will soon be substancially below invoice. Suzuki may offer more rebates too. I'll be looking at one when that time comes.

jerrycon

erics6 is correct. Real-world prices for the Suzuki SX4 will soon be substantially below invoice. Suzuki is in the unfortunate position of making the best cars that no one buys. (Forget about those of us on this discussion list. We are the relatively few oddballs who prefer Suzukis.)

It was the same story with the Aerio. It was an excellent car, but nobody bought it. There is no reason to think that the SX4 will be any different. Suzuki does well in its home market of Japan, but here in North America, their dealer network sucks.

But their cars, as we all know, are excellent. I can't wait to drive my SX4 Sport model home.

Roger and out,
jerrycon

kernick

you: It is important to look at the SX4 price point. It does have a lot going for it, but there are other options too.

me: Yes, I'm not really disagreeing with you. I'm simply stating that you get a nicely loaded SX4 for $17K (that's with no negotiating, and it being a new model!). The Subaru will cost at least $1500 more (using your numbers, $2K in my case since I get a college grad. rebate) and is not as well optioned. The Outback does not have stability control and a nice stereo, or climate control amongst other things.

Similar to your argument I could say to you should look at the options to an Outback - maybe a V-6 Rav4 isn't much more? A Saturn Vue? Or there's very good deals on Jeep Grand Cherokees.

And I would not suggest to any of you to pay MSRP. If people delay their purchase thru this car-launch, we'll all get better prices sooner. Walk-in offer invoice, when they say no, leave a number and walk out and say you'll see them in a few months when they're looking for sales. Oh, I may just try my Costco car-buying club and see what sort of price they could give me. As anyone tried the AAA, Sam's Club, or similar services for a Suzuki?

rjared1

Now having seen a Mazda 3 against the SX4 Im totally confused. There is about $1500 difference between the two as configured. The 3 has a very impressive look and stance. Very stable ride and lots of power with a 150hp engine. Of course it's FWD vs the Suzuki's AWD but it was a faster car. The interior also boasted better qualiy materials tho it does have a very wide center console which i found a little confining. The seats were more supportive in the Mazda as well. I did find the dashboard way too busy preferring the Suzuki's simpler layout.

My main use for the car is work which involves driving to and from an office 35 miles each day in all kinds of weather and lots of outside work too which involves even more driving. I drive about 24K miles a year with this car.

erics6

I'm not confused. Totally different cars to me. The 3 is a great car, a fun FWD car that should be compared with Civic and other cars. SX4 is a small AWD car. Only real comparison is Subaru Impreza and Dodge Caliber. Frankly, given the size I think the Impreza is the only real comparison. I know folks sometimes cross-shop other FWD cars, but frankly the only reason to get a SX4 over the many good FWD cars out there is AWD and the small size. I want AWD for snow season, but I like the small and nimble size of the SX4. My Protege 5 does fine in the snow with studded tires, but I'd like the extra ground clearance for getting to trailheads.

rjared1

After reading through the specs I realized that the Mazda at that price doesn't have ABS or seat/curtain airbags which would add another $400. Now they are about $1600 apart in favor of the SX4. The only thing I think sux in the SX4 are those seats but the dealer said for $1K I could get leather. Id even go for an upgraded cloth with more bolstering. Also was wondering if $500 off list is pretty decent for this car. I saw someone on here purchased the car close to $1500 off. Doesnt seem possible being that the list is something list $500 over invoice. I saw the dealer invoice and i assume the dealer was showing me the real thing.

erics6

Check out kbb.com for the invoice. Edmunds doesn't have invoice listed yet. $500 off is invoice for the base. Seems like the average price for the few people that have picked one up. $1500 off seems like a bit much to expect right now, given how few are available.

reeser8

Yeah, $1500 off list seems a bit high, given the low MSRP margin. It maybe be that someone unknowingly took a hit off their trade-in, or got poor financing terms in exchange for the low apparent price.

rjared1

Wasn't really familiar with the Impreza but after looking at the exterior pics on the website I have to conclude its nowhere near as attractive as the SX4 on the outside. Hard to tell inside but the Impreza interior looks decent. One of the things that initially attracted me to the SX4 is its styling. Its one of the more unique looking cars out there but not unique as in quirky. I even think the side window is cool looking. Overall, i think the SX4 makes a bold statement for its size.

erics6

Yes, Impreza is not very attractive IMHO. Legacy is the only Subaru I like stylingwise. I too like the look of the SX4.

reeser8

For those of you commenting on the design of the SX4, check this site out, if you haven't already done so:
http://www.italdesign.it/dinamic/gallery/gallery_scheda.php?id=412&num_rows=18&f- - amily=a&data_a_brand=Fiat

Our SX4 is the same as the Fiat Sedici, or the Fiat 16. It was conceived by the Italian automotive design house, Italdesign Giugiaro ("IDG"). Sedici is "sixteen" in Italian, and it's a play-on-words on the AWD 4x4 aspect of this car. IDG is going to work with BMW to design the next generation MINI.

Click on the foto1, foto2, foto3 links on the Fiat 16 page for the designer's pics of our handsome car on the move.

erics6

And fortunately engineered by Suzuki, not Fiat. ;-)

jerrycon

Thanks for the link, reeser8. Regarding the Flash movie at http://www.italdesign.it/dinamic/webspecials/motorshow_b2005/launcher.html, seeing the SX4 in a mud pit and going over some very rocky terrain was quite interesting. We know it's a good-looking car, but can it really do it in the dirt?

ben911

Does anybody know the tow rating of the SX4?

Ben

growwise

More importantly, how does the sedan version stack up against the Yaris sedan?


I am beginning to think that these subcompacts make excellent commuter cars.

A small subcompact for daily use and a used minivan for occasional utility = 1 expensive crossover wagon/suv with three rows of seating which is either an overkill for regular commute or underwhelming compared to what a minivan can do. Anything wrong with this logic?

backy

The thing to consider is, how often do you really use that minivan? If it's just 2-3 times a month (I mean REALLY use it to full extent), you could be better off financially renting a minivan on those occasions.

As for the Yaris, it will get considerably better fuel economy than the SX4. But of course, it doesn't have AWD. Since you are paying a penalty for that AWD in extra mechanical complexity and fuel economy, you should be sure you really need it before opting for the SX4. Some small cars have traction control; put some good winter tires on one of those, and consider whether that would be sufficient.

erics6

Hopefully never. That is one ugly car!

erics6

My guess is Not Rated in the US. Suzuki UK says 400 kg unbraked and 1200 kg with trailer brakes. Not a great vehicle for towing.

iluvmysephia1

are really nice on this rig. I see that Suzuki is putting the same 16" alloys on the soon to come Suzuki SX4 sedan.

I really like them right down to the 5-spoke design and lug nut design arrangement. Very, very well done IMHO.

The 2007 Suzuki SX4 in either Techno Blue Metallic or Red, 5-speed form, remains at the top of my futures list. Gonna be hard to not want to test drive and deal. I know, I've said this before about the '06 Kia Rio or '06 Scion xA, but I do want the AWD capability and the option of putting my rig into AWD-Auto, AWD-Lock for true 4WD action and good 'ole 2WD(FWD)for better gas mileage. This crossover is a great deal at MSRP. With a Warranty like Suzuki's I don't see how you could go wrong.

ben911

Well, I called American Suzuki, and was patched through to their "Technicians Department." You are right, the vehicle is "NOT RATED" for towing. It's somewhat of a surprise. It's got to be one of the only AWD cars out right now not capable of towing. In my opinion, that's a bit of a disappointment. Otherwise, the car is just about PERFECT. 1500-2000 lb would have been sufficient.

Oh well, Thanx... but no thanx Suzuki
Ben

carrito

I test drove the SX4 the other day. I liked everything about this car, especially the AWD capability - I live in Northeastern Canada where winters can dump enough snow to make you spin like a :lemon: . My only concern is the cargo room with the seats up. I did bring my daughter's stroller and it didn't fit in the cargo with the seats up :mad: . It fits if I put it on it's side but then it moves while driving. For those of you that already bought a SX4 how do you find the cargo area, is it enough for daily mundane tasks like doing groceries, putting some luggage, etc. etc.?

snakeweasel

I took a look at the SX4 at a local Suzuki dealer. The one thing is that the dealer had marked it up by 3 grand making the automatic version close to 20 grand in price.

My question is did I just stumble into the wrong dealership or are most dealers trying to sell these for above MSRP?

stever

It's still early for really firm numbers, but True Market Value is holding at MSRP. I suspect TMV will start going down once some of these hit the street although the Fit and Versa and xB prices are holding at MSRP. I think that dealer is just trolling for someone who wants to be first on the block and hasn't done their research.

guest

the dealer had marked it up by 3 grand

Oh my LORD. They better have installed a turbo (or dropped in the Grand Vitara's V6) and power moonroof for that! :P

moparbad

Sedan will arrive in the Spring.
Be forewarned that the dealers do not know this yet, so if you ask they will say the SX4 replaces the Aerio 5 door and the Aerio sedan continues as is. That is correct only until Spring 2007 when the SX4 Sedan will be introduced.

robandfab

Anybody know exactly when the sport model will be available? I've emailed several dealers and none have gotten back to me.

arkainzeye

thats weird that its not rated for towing. it is almost the same size as the 4door chevy tracker and the tracker was rated at 1500lbs. Interesting find about the NO-tow ability.

erics6

I'm guessing towing is a no go in our lawsuit happy society. I usually look at the European tow rating to get an idea of what a vehicle can handle. I'm betting the SX4 can handle small trailers with electric brakes fine.

erics6

In dealer showrooms by December, IIRC.

erics6

Additional dealer markup is normal. Many dealers do it on lots of makes of vehicles. Ignore it.

Remember the difference on the base SX4 between invoice and MSRP is only about $500. Dealers often try for ADM in the hopes that some sucker will buy at around MSRP.

snakeweasel

Additional dealer markup is normal.

While I have seen the price marked up due to stuff like overpriced pin stripping I rarely seen prices marked up just for general purposes. Typically its when a vehicle is really hot like the PT cruiser was many a year ago. Is the market really that hot for the SX4?

drdan3

You can check the Web sites for Fitzpatrick (www.fitzmall.com) or Henry Gay Suzuki/Jeep - if you are in the DC area. Both of these dealerships have multiple vehicles in stock are they are selling them for around invoice. It might be easier to take a trip to the area - think of it as a vacation - via Southwest and then drive a bargain back home than pay ADM. The reason the latter is so ridiculous is that Suzuki has done absolutely nothing to market the vehicle, thus generating no pent-up demand. Who hasn't seen a Yaris or Fit ad? Compass or Caliber? I can't remember the last time I saw a Suzuki ad. The company simply won't or can't invest what it really takes to be a competitor in the US market. They hope, like unsuccessful political candidates, that a 'grassroots' word of mouth campaign plus low prices are enough to generate demand. I haven't even seen local Suzuki dealers advertise the SX4 - are they waiting for the Sport model?

erics6

Actually Suzuki has increased their ad budget this year from $77 million to $107 million. I've seen SX4 ads in all my recent car magazines.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/1401

ADM is just what they list on their sticker. Some dealers around here (regardless of manufacture) list ADM, some have MSRP and some have their lowest price listed. I've never had any issues buying below invoice on any vehicle. Having said that, I don't buy a vehicle with limited availability and high demand. For example, I test drove the new PRHT Miata. They are in demand and supply is limited right now, so dealers are getting MSRP. In a year or so supply will catch up with demand and you'll be able to get them at below invoice. Now, with the SX4 supply is limited, but I don't think the demand is huge. You should not have to pay more than invoice. In six months there should be plenty of supply, probably some rebates and prices should drop accordingly. Me, I'm going to wait and pick one up at a low price. Or, I'll wait a couple of years and buy a used one. Buying used is usually the smartest route, especially on cars like Suzuki that loose a lot of value in the 1st couple of years.

moparbad

What the heck is PRHT?

stever

Powered Retractable Hard Top - not to be confused with the manual version of the convertible.

Driving Mazda's MX-5 PRHT

growwise

You my friend have to check out www.sx4.ca

They have an interactive game (save your friend and follow the madness :P ) Its better with speakers turned on.

iluvmysephia1

into those turns, the 2007 Suzuki SX4 can take it!



Very sweet looking rig! Pics like this only heighten my enthusiasm and my resolve to make this crossover my next vehicle.

What's more is the white color actually looks pretty nice on the 2007 Suzuki SX4 and one reason for that in my mind is the 16" alloys and how they play off the white color on the car. Having said that it's going to be tough turning down the Red or the Techno Blue Metallic shades come ordering time.

erics6

Finally got a chance to drive the 5 speed SX4. Still had the shipping wrap on it. Much nicer than the automatic. Power was acceptable. Not fast but reasonable. Funny how the extra HP felt slower than my Mazda Protege 5. Then again, I looked down and I was doing 70 mph entering the freeway. You can feel the weight of this vehicle (especially starting out), but it is also pretty quiet... So you often are going faster than you think. I wouldn't have any problem keeping up with traffic as long as I used the gearbox.

Clutch was nice and the gearbox had a nice solid click as you shifted into gear. No vague feeling. More connected than my P5 and more solid feeling than any manual Subaru's I've driven.

Handlingwise, it does wander a bit and feels a little disconnected, especially at highway speeds. Then again, I'm coming from a Protege5, which has very direct steering feel. It also seemed to get tossed around a bit in the wind. Pretty quiet on the highway. Definitely quiter than my P5.

Just for kicks, I drove a Kia Rio5. No comparison. Kia feels like a budget car. The SX4 is a real step up.

To be honest, I'm not sure the Sport is worth the extra money. I may just look at the base with convience package.

robandfab

Thanks for your response. What is IIRC?

stever

IIRC means if I recall correctly.

Not to be confused with IROC, which I've never looked up, so don't ask me what that means. :shades:

rjared1

I picked up my 5 speed Silver SX4 yesterday at $14995.00 delivered including all fees except tax and tags. Just wanted to give my initial impressions. I have to agree with your assessment regarding the trans tho as noted in other posts there is a distict revving noise when shifting gears which I hope can be alleviated. The car is fairly quiet but on the highway I kept thinking there needed to be a 6th gear as the engine even at 60 MPH felt labored. This did not seem to be the case at all with the automatic I tried at 80 mph. The automatic cruises lazily on the highway which I prefer.

The fit and finish on the car are top notch. I think this car looks great in silver and the paint job is excellent.

The SX4 has another ace in the hole. It is one of the few cars that looks good from any angle and appears larger than it really is- inside and out.

My only complaint is the lack of some amenities which I didnt even realize were not available. I had many less expensive cars with the following: lack of driver's seat adjustment except for the angle of the back. There is no lumbar or height adjustment. No glove box light. No visor lights and no mirror on the passenger side visor. My wife was the first to notice this. No illuminated ignition ring which I really appreciated in my Hyundai. No anti-theft system. Doors must be locked individually and opened manually. It appears you have to reach over to the passenger side to unlock that door. Most of the inside switches on the doors are non-illuminated.
While these arent deal killers they are disappointing exclusions on an automobile that is generally a great value.

I'll keep you posted with any further experiences and impressions.

guest

Your car sounds just like mine, except I paid MSRP. Perhaps you should have waited for the Sport package and bought an automatic? I've never owned a car in my life that had seats with height or lumbar adjustment, but it would be nice. There should be a button on your driver side armrest for locking and unlocking the doors, as well as on your key fob. Your revving noise when shifting gears can be aleviated by taking your foot off of the gas pedal. I notice this especially when shifting into the top two gears. I'm pretty sure this car has a drive by wire throttle, and it is very sensitive. I think the car drives pretty well, but is a bit noisy and the suspension is very stiff on rough roads. Anyone considering a test drive might want to pull into a shopping center parking lot and try navigating a speed bump - that is a real experience in this car - I still love it though!

iluvmysephia1

remote keyless entry so all you should need to do is press a button on your key fob and all the doors should automatically unlock. Look into that immediately and get it resolved.

bchapman

Someone recently asked about crash test ratings. Here's a link:
http://www.euroncap.com/images/results/superminis/car_252_2006/Suzuki%20SX4%20Da- tasheet%202.pdf

In a nutshell, pretty decent result for adult passengers, less good for children and pedestrians (this is a Euro test), and better side than front protection.

-Bruce

rjared1

Thanks for the advice re: the clutch. Seems to be smoother taking the foot off the gas pedal. Finally read the book and figured out the locks, lol. I would have opted for the auto and sports package but when I factored those in that takes you into new teritory moneywise. I was really looking for cheap, safe transportation since it will be used for commuting to and from work. The only item which I am contemplating is a leather interior which the dealer estimated at $1300 with Katzkin leather. I think it would definitely heighten the look and I like the feel of leather under my butt even tho it can be cold in the winter when first getting in the car.
I did take a good look around the interior today and generally it seems most materials are of a good quality even though there is alot of plastic. Most cars today are utilizing alot of plastics anyway. I really like the quality of the buttons on the radio and the controls.The dash design is intuitive and easy to decipher. I purposely played the radio at loud volume for the first couple of days to break in the speakers. They are actually not bad at all after a couple hours of break in.

snakeweasel

I think that dealer is just trolling for someone who wants to be first on the block and hasn't done their research.

You might be right, I just went to a Lincoln dealership to get some information, they were next to another Suzuki dealer and I just walked over and checked their stickers. No market adjustments.

leyrer

This was my first in-person look at the car. First impression--lower than I expected--looks like a 4WD car and not a SUV like the prior generation RAV-4. Pros: felt solid while driving; effortless clutch; roomy interior; nice large rear view mirrors. Cons: high RPM--nearly 3,000 RPM at 60 MPH and 3,500 at 70; shifter was stiff and not as precise as I would have liked; double windshild pillar design causes big blind spot at front left corner; doors felt very light; rear seats didn't fold level with cargo floor.

The dealer was already offering a $500 rebate. Given the large number of cars on the lot, I got the impression it would be easy to strike a deal.

erics6

Funny about different perceptions of the same vehicle. I thought the handling was so-so. It seemed somewhat disconnected to me. RPM didn't bother me at all. I'm used to small 4 bangers with high revs. I was impressed with the shifter and I'm used to my Miata shifter. I agree about the double A-piller blind spot and the smooth clutch. I'm glad it doesn't look like a SUV. My only concern about ground clearance is the front spoiler. I hope it's higher than my P5. Stupid curbs. :-(