Topic: Opinions on Suzuki Esteem wagons?

[siwash]

Hi folks;

I am considering this car as a cheap alternative to a new compact or sub-comact. I am looking at a 2002 GL model without many options, but I think it may be  decent value for a dealer asking price of $6,900. It has 113K.

Don't know much about these cars, but I did read a couple of positive reviews on Cdn Driver.

Any opinios out there?

Thanks!

[AVToller]

My impression, from limited experience, is that they are uninspired and uninspiring, but solid, reliable cars. Gas mileage is OK, handling is OK, room is quite good for its size. You could do MUCH worse.

[safristi]

I've BEEN inspired by their uninspiring UN-EXpiringness...run fer evva....the GTX or whateffa TOP OFF THE LION model would make a reliable everyday commuta/grocery getta...seem to have GONE UP in Price lately in the TO area ...the GOOD news must BE OUT!!!! ...I swear the DEALERS must monitor what the KNOWLEDGEABLE FANS say and BUT...D'OH a DEAR CAR 'cos "WE" say it's SWEET....?...?...?

[quadzilla]

One of my buddies bought one of these in a 2000 or 2001 model.  Pure basic model where you have to roll your windows down with  crank.  It does have A/C and roof rails though so that is good.  We put three guys, all of our stuff (we were camping) plus three mtn bikes on the roof and the car did great.  Drove from London-Tremblant and back with no problems at all.  He has no complaints about his car and has had no troubles either.  I got to drive it on the trip and I was actually very impressed with it.  Handled great, had good pickup (for what it is) and was very stable at speed (120kph mostly with burst up to 135kph).  He gets reasonable mileage with it also.  I'd pick one of these over some of the other small wagons as you can get great deals on the used models.  I think he paid under 9G for everything, car, taxes and first year insurance.  How can you go wrong.

[siwash]

thanks folks..

I did test drive one today... mileage is up there but it seemed ok. Couple of things that worried me a bit was the clutch (a slight hesistation or "stickyness") and a slight rattle or knocking at one point in the engine.

Since i am a mechanical idiot, I haven't a clue as to what it migh be.. But, if i am still interested, i will try and get a mechanic to look at it.

It's an 2002 model. Do you think I should insist on at least a 6 month warranty or is that wishful thinking?

Thanks

[quadzilla]

Can't answer you last question but I can say there are lots of used Esteems around TO.
Not sure where you are from but just take a look at autotrader.ca and you will so many choices you can pick and choose.  Take look around.

[safristi]

Welcome Siwash...a "Mechanical Idiot"   unfortunatley we hear a LOT about THEM at some dealerships....!!!!!

[siwash]

Can't answer you last question but I can say there are lots of used Esteems around TO.
Not sure where you are from but just take a look at autotrader.ca and you will so many choices you can pick and choose.  Take look around.

I'm from the GTA and you're right, Esteems abound here.. but the Wagon version (which is what I want) is far less common, especially 5 speed (which is all I will drive)

Thanks!

[quadzilla]

When my buddy was buying in the spring there were lots of wagons on the market, I looked today and notice that isn't true anymore.  Good luck with your search and don't forget to let us know how you do.  I think its a really good car for the money.

[siwash]

Thanks, I will let you know..

I am still considering others, including a Protege. Not a wagon/5 door, but a neat car. I was imnpressed with the handling, peppyness, room and features. They seem to be pretty good cars, but rather pricey too.. They hold their value quite well!

Anyhow, I will have to justify used over new. I can lease a Yaris for $280 or finance a used for $200+ - Soemtimes I wonder if it's worth going with a used car with all the baggage, 0 warranty, not to mention lots of KM's!

We  shall see - fortunmately I am able to share a Corolla right now with a family member and I will take my time to find that perfect car..

 

[AVToller]

It's always a help when you don't have to rush into a decision. Enjoy the process and keep us up-to-date. 

[safristi]

..Ahem...coming from MR Impatience O'Yaris.....!!!!!!! ...has tha wee kor arrived YET.'EH!!?

[Arthur Dent]

makes a good used buy - lost so much value since new. All Canadian Driver articles are postive btw - you really have to read between the lines and drive it yourself. Good luck!

[siwash]

I'm wondering about the availability of parts with Suzuki's in general. I am in the Torontoarea so i guess there's enough dealerships that can service te car, but what about after-market parts?

are parts expensive?

any Suzuki owners out there?!

thanks again

[eax]

You can find used Japanese autoparts extremely easily in TO.  In Japan, Cars can stay on the road for a maximum of 8 years...before they need to be junked.  You can keep them on longer but there are major tax implicaitons.  As a result, there's a ton of autoparts available secondhand in the Canadian Market.  Shine Japanese Autoparts is one I've used.  I picked up a '96 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4 5spd transmission with 50k on it for $600.  Good deals can be found.  Just look in the Yellowpages under "auto parts"  In addition, anyone reading this thread, you should see the Japanese Honda /Subaru STi parts that place brings in...