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Suzuki Aerio Wagon

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Comments

  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    Davidd5,
    We choose to turn away cars such as the Suzuki line up because parts are too hard to find. If we know that we'll have to go through a dealer to get most of the parts, we'll usually send the customer to the dealer. Not only is our profit margin small on dealer parts, the time it takes to complete the vehicle is very long. Sometimes we do work with parts from the dealer, in a pinch, for the customer. However, most of the time, the customer would rather go to the dealer anyhow when we explain the time it might take to finish their work. We'll inspect brakes, suspensions etc., but we make sure to inform them we may not be the best choice as far as a company to work on their car. Also, guys get upset when cars linger in their own bays for too long.
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    If anybody was interested in my amazingly incredible offer of 4 new Blizzaks, sorry, they work great; i put them on my AWD Aerio. Traction was superior before, but now it's incredible. I'd recommend snow tires to anyone considering them. After i installed them, i could not get the wheels to spin freely--even after stabbing the gas.
  • chrisducatichrisducati Member Posts: 394
    I must say Suzuki needs to address its US dealer arm. If they plan to increase sales here they must look at the long term and gain repeat buyers. We have an old 1996 Esteem we bought new. It has over 200000 miles on it. It was never back for any warranty work and has had minimal up keep(Timing belt at 80000 and 160000) I think the front brake pads lasted about 85000 miles each time. The rear drums still had over 45% left at the last service. The only repairs that have been needed were a cv boot at 120000 and a rubber motor mount had rotted from age at somewhere around 160000. Also, one trick to suzuki windows is to keep the rubber track lubed with silicon spray otherwise the windows drag and are hard to roll up. Just some useless knowledge! I plan on replacing this car in a few years. I hope the next Suzuki I buy will be as good as the one I now own.
  • chrisducatichrisducati Member Posts: 394
    I forgot to mention. The repairs that were done on the car were not done at a Suzuki dealer. They were done at a local repair shop. Each time the car was dropped off in the morning and finished that day. I have never had a problem getting parts. That may be because I have never need something out of the usual like some sort of sensor.
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    Several Suzuki execs spoke at the Detroit Auto Show. Suzuki has just hired a recently retired GM executive to head up dealer development.. They hope to weed out the weak dealers and increase the total from 380 to 600 in the next 19 months or so and are pushing to get dealers to build separate showrooms and dealerships. My dealer in Tucson has recently done this and are a pleasure to deal with. The service department has even lowered prices on certain repair jobs to compete with independent shops. They are very cooperative and open to ideas. I plan on keeping my old Sidekick and 02 Aerio for a very long time and have had 3 others in the past. They have several new models coming out in the next 2 or 3 years.. Sounds exciting but everything takes time. The original Honda and Subaru models in America were an abortion.
  • mopar67mopar67 Member Posts: 728
    If they can boost dealer participation, they have a fighting chance to make a go of it.

    Funny, my dealer, if you did not know this area, ya'd never know they sold zukes. No sign except a pea sized one on the front of the building.

    Suzuki ought to send reps around to check this out and tell the dealers either get the sign up or lose your franchise.

    Its not a good way to advertise.
  • chocoxtacochocoxtaco Member Posts: 32
    The Service Engine light came on a couple of Fridays ago. I took it in the next morning for immediate service (the manual says "service right away") to find out that neither the Suzuki writer nor a Suzuki tech were in that day. I asked for a loaner and then demanded one after the Pontiac/GM service writer assured me that I could still drive my car (though the manual said otherwise).

    So, a sensor in the gas tank was bad and a part was ordered. The loaner car was out three days and I had to pay for one of the three. I was okay with that, but not too thrilled about future warranty repair experiences.

    The part came in, and I sat for a couple of hours to learn that my filler neck is out of round, thus creating a vacuum leak, thus setting off the sensor. A gas tank is en route from Cali.

    I don't feel like spending a Saturday sitting around (and being bumped for other peoples' 'emergencies' like I was the last time I did a scheduled Saturday appointment.

    Do I have any recourse to demand a loaner since I'm in for warranty work AND it's the third time I'm in for the same (or at least a related)problem? I'm at work before 7 am and would rather leave the car overnight and be assured that it would be done by the time I get out of work the next afternoon.
  • chocoxtacochocoxtaco Member Posts: 32
    I like this car. I still can't get over the fact that I paid the same price for a stripped Escort wagon in 1991.
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    My guess is it sounds like the first time you were there the tech misdiagnosed the problem by blaming the sensor. Probably any other tech would have done the same thing instead of checking the filler neck. I believe--on the grounds of a misdiagnosis--you should be able to receive a loaner for free. However, the service rep. might stick to his guns and still blame both the sensor and filler neck. Good luck
  • HankrHankr Member Posts: 100
    in the warranty section...

    "If a Suzuki vehicle is rendered inoperable, unsafe or illegal to operate and requires an overnight repair during the 36,000-mile/3-year new vehicle limited warranty period, your Suzuki dealer will provide a courtesy rental vehicle for up to five days through Enterprise Rent-A-Car."

    Sounds like your situation would qualify.
  • chocoxtacochocoxtaco Member Posts: 32
    I know what Suzuki says, but the dealer would say that the fix doesn't require me to be without my car past their service hours, just that the drop off would be an inconvenience (for the third time). Seems like they want to NOT have to report loaners to the manufacturer.
  • mopar67mopar67 Member Posts: 728
    Find the area rep for zuke and raise cain with them. They are putting you through the mill and you deserve better.
  • davidd5davidd5 Member Posts: 79
    Something seems a miss to me. Chocoxtaco you say the "check engine" light came on. You took it to the dealer and they said a sensor in the tank failed. And then you have the car repaired but now they say the tank filler is the cause of the "check engine" light? Well I have had the tank sensor fault myself. Now according to my dealer that sensor in the tank measures the fuel temp[Does some computing with the engine temp to help set the fuel mixture I guess] Now with a filler neck concern,the only fault code I can see being set would be a "major evap leak". Two very different codes. But either way,you should have been able to drive your car until the parts came in and not be out any cost of a rental.
  • chocoxtacochocoxtaco Member Posts: 32
    Nothing is amiss. I took it in immediately because the owner's manual says to have a check engine issue repaired right away. The non-Suzuki writer told me that I could drive it with the light on, but if the manual says one thing and the man the other, I'm over a barrel. Sure, it's the voice of experience, but if something does go very wrong, then the voice can quote the manual and scold me for neglecting the vehicle and inflicting unnecessary harm upon it.

    The sensor code was read, but no repair has happened yet because they had to order the part. The out of round issue came up when I went in to get the sensor replaced. So, two times to the shop and the problem has yet to be resolved.

    Why should I not demand a loaner if the manual requests a repair asap? And why should I not ask for a loaner since I'm taking the car in for the third time to deal with their mistake?
  • davidd5davidd5 Member Posts: 79
    I didn't mean something was a miss with you. Just that are there two codes set or just one? With either one though,once the code was diag'ed, the car can be safely driven until the part comes in. But the way this was handled was wrong and yes,I do think you should have a loaner car.
  • chocoxtacochocoxtaco Member Posts: 32
    Thank you for the clarification. No word on the elusive new gas tank after two weeks.
  • redsirredsir Member Posts: 34
    Our 2003 AWD SX has a rumble in the drive train at about 60-70 Kph, (35 Mph). It is not constant, and often goes away at high/lower speed. It can be felt mostly through the seat.

    Last oil change, dealer acknowledged the noise, and would enquire about it. I had them record it on the service order.

    I think the vibration is from the AWD viscous coupling. I will pursue this again at next oil change to ensure if it become a bigger problem it won't be ours.
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    Be aware that your AWD requires a diff lube change at 7500 miles, per instructions of Suzuki.
    I'm not saying this is your cause of the rumble, but be prepared to have all your maintenance liabilities covered so you don't get screwed. Also, could you be a little more specific about the rumble; maybe that would help in recieving more feed back. I'm going to throw a lot of maybes here because i don't have anything to go off of besides tha fact you mentioned a rumble. Is it more of a sound rather than a feeling, visa versa? . Usually, vibration felt in the seat of your pants is blamed on crappy back tires or out of round rims or maybe a weak or broken strut. How many miles are on your car and tires? I've seen all kinds of crazy things regarding vibration at different speeds, and 49 out of 50 of them were sold new tires or rims or struts, which always cured the problem. I've also seen vibrations due to sticking rear shoes, maybe your ebrake is sticking.
    My advise is: before getting involved with the dealer, take care of the more common items that might be causing this problem with someone else and in front of your own eyes. Have a reputable tire shop with newer equiptment balance all 4 tires, and tip the guy who's going to work on your car before hand and ask him if you can watch your tires spin on the balancer. I would do this even if your car is still under bumper to bumper because i've seen some techs take short cuts and just visually inspect tires and rims. This is a fast but horrible aproach, and i've seen it done many times in my own shop, which in many cases has led to a lot of unecessary agravation. Good luck, and keep us informed.
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    How does an Aerio respond with this type of faulty sensor? mine is relatively young, and haven't had any problems yet, but now i'm suspicious about the future. What should i look for as far as symptoms?
  • davidd5davidd5 Member Posts: 79
    Being on another Aerio website,we have had one guy with a concern about vibration/drone/rumble. What the dealer found was a bent driveshaft.
  • redsirredsir Member Posts: 34
    Here is what I have observed. The rumble is not consistent. It is a vibration, more pronounced when cold, and occurs mostly within a speed range 60-70 Kph. This occurred when new, and still at 30,000 Km. It has not worsened

    You are quite right about tire vibration as a possible cause. Having gone through this with two other cars I know what it is like, and the problems were corrected.

    I do recall a prior test drive of another Aerio AWD, it behaved the same. I wrote it off at the time thinking it was just that vehicle.

    However, I will take your suggestion, and have the tires checked, just to eliminate them as a cause. Thanks for the tip.
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    We have a good Suzuki dealer here in Tucson and they handle only Suzuki. However they rarely stock more than one Aerio at a time now and load their lot with Forenza, XL-7 and Verona. Thats what all the ads are on too and they claim there is no interest in the Aerio. We still love ours but they have all but forgotten it. I bet 2005 is the last year for it and that is a mistake. What are your dealers pushing??
  • rctennis3811rctennis3811 Member Posts: 1,031
    Well from what my dealer told me after their big regional dealer meeting is that the Aerio won't be discontinued. I didn't ask him that directly but he told me the supposed future lineup. It goes as:

    -The Vitara V6 stopped production about 2 months ago and will be DEFINITELY dropped for 2005.
    -The XL-7 is supposed to be the next GV either in name or placement in the lineup. It will no longer be the biggest SUV in the lineup. Eventually, it will be redesigned in mid-05 on a GM platform.
    -GM is currently working (for about a year now) on an extended version of the Saturn Vue with a different interior and slightly different styling for Suzuki to sell in Japan. Word is that it may be sold as the next XL7 here in America.
    -Suzuki will get a TrailBlazer-sized SUV (the dealers words..not mine). Whether it is a rebadged TB (please NOO) or a new SUV of the same size we are yet to see.
    -Suzuki may get their own version of the new GM midvans. When the next GM midvans on the Lambda platform (2007) comes out, Suzuki is DEFINITELY getting one.
    -GMDAT is working on an all new SUV (concept Daewoo Thetascope) that will be brought here as a Suzuki, but in Canada as a Suzuki and Chevrolet. There is also speculation that this might be the next XL7 instead of the "Vue EXT".
    -GMDAT might export the Daewoo Chairman as a Suzuki.
    -Since GM is bidding on SsangYong motors, they may export the Rezzo as a Suzuki.
    -Suzuki has PROMISED a 2-door sports car to compete with the other imports like the Eclipse, Tiburon, tC, Celica, etc.
    -Suzuki is working on a new V6 VVT 3500cc engine.
    -They have plans for a full-size SUV around 06.
    -Daewoo Tacuma (upcoming Chevrolet Vivant for Canada) has a 75% chance of coming to US as a Suzuki.
    -A crossover SUV is expected at the end of this year, to be announced at one of the upcoming auto show. This will be a TRUE Suzuki product.
    -Aerio gets an interior refresh. The same one in place for the Japanese 04 Aerio.
    -Verona may get power upgrade for 05 to 170HP. It is rumored to also get side-impact airbags.
    -Forenza may also get power upgrade for 05 to 140HP. It too is rumored to also get side-impact airbags.

    *Now some of this is just word from the manager after I talked to him for about an hour. Some of the material I posted I read from the packet given to each dealer at the annual Regional Dealership Meeting. If any of this has been heard by anyone else, I'd love to hear about it!!!
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION. I THINK THEY HAVE BIG PLANS FOR THE RENO 4 DOOR HATCH AND SOME MARKETS WILL GET A WAGON VERSION AT A LATER DATE. NICE CONCEPT BUT I STILL PREFER HOW THE AERIO SITS TALL COMPARED TO GETTING INTO A FORENZA. I REALLY WISH THEY WOULD BRING THE SUZUKI SWIFT PLUS TO THE USA LIKE THEY DID IN CANADA. I LOVE THE CHEVY AVEO HATCH (SWIFT PLUS) AND THINK IT WOULD FIT IN NICELY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SUZUKI LINEUP AS THEY GO BIGGER AND MORE EXPENSIVE. PERHAPS TOO MUCH GM INFLUENCE. AND NOT ENOUGH SUZUKI UNIQUENESS. ?????
  • rctennis3811rctennis3811 Member Posts: 1,031
    Well, it usually depends on what Suzuki gets because GM is basically in control of them, even though they only own about 20 percent. I frankly would like to see more pure Suzuki cars here (not imported from Japan, but all new cars) and not as many GMDAT cars. They're good quality, but too many GMDAT cars makes Suzuki look too much like Daewoo......and I don't really know if that's a good thing. :\
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    Our 2002 Aerio with 21,000 trouble free miles just suddenly had the check engine light come on and restarting it wont make it go away. I will take it in tomorrow to be checked out. HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANY OF YOUR AERIOS ??
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    We have about 28,000 trouble-free kilometers on ours, and no CEL's to date. (touch wood!) You may want to check if your gas cap was properly tightened the last time you filled up, as I've heard a loose cap can cause the CEL to come on.
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    They also suspected a gas cap or fuel system problem but it turned out to be a large vacuum hose and missing clamp coming off the intake manifold. Odd that it still ran good but the gas mileage was down on the last tankful or two.
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    Hit a major pothole (they're everywhere around here) back in the fall and slightly bent the right front rim (only on the inside of the rim, however...can't see it unless you take the wheel off)). Didn't notice any adverse handling effects and the tire/rim seal must be ok, as no loss of air pressure noted. Tire has a bulge on the outside sidewall, however. Dealer says around $600 CDN to replace the rim and tire (these are the factory rims/tires, BTW), but service guy says as long as the rim can be balanced, probably just need to replace the tire. Have been running on steelies/snows for the winter, but it's getting to be that time where I switch back to the "summer" tires. About 29Kms on the car but less than 20KMs on the stock wheels/tires as I have been running the steelies/snows every winter. If I get a brand new Yoko Geo, will it adversely affect handling, as the tread depth will be greater than the other 3 tires? Is it possible to buy used tires (privately, or from auto wreckers, etc.?) I know I could go the ebay route and possibly find something but I'd prefer to buy local (Toronto area). I'm not at the point where I want to replace all 4 tires, as there is plenty of life left in them.
  • jontyreesjontyrees Member Posts: 160
    Here's what I'd do, if you intend to stay with the Geolanders long term. Buy one and also put the spare on another wheel, probably best to put the two new tires on the front. Use the less damaged one you take off as a spare. They're cheap at that well known online tire store. If you are going to change to another tire, I'd just go ahead and do all 4 right now.

    You can almost certainly get a used replacement wheel from someone that replaced his with aftermarket rims. I can point you to a place on the web chock full of just that kind of folk, but you could most likely find it yourself through any of the popular search engines.
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    I'll check tonight when I get home, but I have a feeling the spare is just one of those temporary
    spares. If it IS fullsize, then your idea sounds great. I'm also thinking that the Geolanders are directional........i.e. the ones on the right side of the car have to stay on the right side and same for the left.
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    Wheelz4,
    By now, you should have noticed you have a compact spare and can't use it for regular use. No, Geolanders on the Aerio are not directional. If you have all wheel drive, your tires must have the same tread depth. If you have a two wheel drive, mix and match all you want.
  • guickgguickg Member Posts: 19
    I went to see the NY Auto Show the other day. There was an Aerio SX displayed there, but I don't remember seeing an Aerio sedan. The SX was displayed practically out of sight, behind a huge column, and all the way on the edge of Suzuki's display area. There was practically no visitor traffic around it. Suzuki's new cars, on the other hand, were displayed right in the middle of the exhibit. There was a Reno Concept, but it looked like a production car Suzuki plans to roll out in 2005. There also was a Forenza Wagon Concept. Looked nice, but it reminded me of the Esteem wagon a little. A Suzuki rep said that it will come out in the fall of 2004. Once again, I don't know why it was labeled "concept". Both cars were locked so I couldn't check them out inside. Anyhow, it does not appear to me that Aerio will be around for much longer. I wouldn't be surprised if it's discontinued for next year. Suzuki will have the Reno and Forenza hatches/wagons. There appears to be no room for three wagons/hatches of basically the same size, purpose and target market. The fact that Suzuki dealers have very few brand new Aerios in stock makes me nervous too. Aerio has not sold well at all, and it receives direct and very powerful competition from the Matrix/Vibe, Focus and now Mazda3, Scion, even Aveo and others. I am afraid that Aerio used car values will sink even lower if Aerio is discontinued. Plus all the changes that many of us have been waiting for, like a non-digital dash, a little less ground effects, cleaner look, more inside storage etc. may not materialize. Do you guys have any thoughts on this matter?
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    I think this next year will be the last for the SX as Suzuki has lost interest in it and has not advertized it for quite some time now. It was popular in 2002 and then they forgot it when the Daewoo GM deal went through and they came out with the Forenza, Verona and now the Reno and F. Wagon. They ignored the SX and relagated it to fleet duty which drove the resale value down more. It is a shame as it is a fine practical vehicle that they abandoned and our 02 has held up well with no problems. GM Daewoo has also bought a Cjinese Daewoo engine plant and a Daewoo assembly plant in India and will soon buy the other Korean plant and a diesel engine maker from Italy will build a diesel plant in Korea next to Daewoo for 2006. I look for future cars to come from Daewoo and trucks, 4X4 from Chevrolet.. The arrival of the Aerio came at a bad time. I either keep my Aerio forever or get rid of it soon. The Forenza, Reno sit too low for us and the Verona is not what I want. I have driven the Chevt Aveo (Daewoo Kalos) and was impressed. Good fit and finish, high quality paint, sits high, comfortable, quieter and rides better than the Aerio, zippy, more economical but less trunk space in the LS hatch. Works for me. Suzuki offers it in Canada but not here??
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    According to this article, the Aerio will receive a facelift this year http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0404/19/autos-125581.htm
    so rumours of it's impeding death may be somewhat premature. I've seen quite a few around the GTA, so they still seem to be selling ok here. I DO think Suzuki could do a better job with it, though. Styling is probably it's biggest problem....the SX hatch is about the only version I like. The Matrix isn't exactly a stunner either, but at least it has decent sized wheels & tires. The best things about the Aerio are it's interior room and comfort + it's a pretty good value compared with it's competition.
    (although you lose what you saved in resale value). It's reliability has been very good as well. The digital dash (although I don't have a problem with it) doesn't do it any favours (the analogue redesign looks way better)and overall, it needs way more refinement. (Gruff engine, mediocre power despite the hp ratings and buzzing door panels leave a poor impression). It has served our needs well (wanted something economical with a bit more space than our 1993 4 door Sidekick). We may keep it as a second car and trade our 1993 Altima for a Nissan X-Trail in 2005 (or a Mazda4 or Toyota Corolla Verso, if they become available) or we'll keep the Altima
    (it's in great shape with around 90,000 km (56,000 mi.)) and trade the Aerio.
    BTW, frenchcar , I sat in a Swift+(Suzuki's "Aveo") last time I was in for service. It would make a great 2nd car/commuter and the front seats are good, but my head brushed the ceiling in the back and I'm only 5'10". Getting in & out of the back was also far more difficult than in the Aerio. Would probably buy an Echo hatch instead, (or maybe a Honda Jazz/Fit...one was recently spotted in Toronto).
  • bingerbinger Member Posts: 2
    I have a vibration in the steering wheel and seat at 2300 - 2500 RPM's. Dealership has not been able to help in over a year. The tires were balanced.....which are Yokohama Geolandar's. I suspect the engine because it does the same standing still. Suzuki says there is a "problem", but does not have a solution with mine or other similar complaints. Can anyone out there help? Thanks!
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    My 03 SX vibrates a little too.
     Here's a weird thing; tell me if anyone has noticed this on their SX model: when the car is cold and started up, i here a low grumbling sound that starts at the firewall then slowly progresses to the rear end (i swear). Maybe i should just get rid of the car. After 10K i'm experiencing signs that suggest low quality of the vehicle. The fit and finish of the paint job is horrible i discovered as i waxed the car.
    I balanced my own tires and noticed the rims are not exactly straight from the factory. So, Binger, i don't know what to tell you. I could give you a list of possible scenerios, but would that help?
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    If you need new tires, i'll send you a discount card from firestone ( i work there). Just post your email.
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    Mt 2002 Aerio SX has 22,000 trouble free miles on it now. I have waxed it 6 times now and the paint is still flawless. Had a weird noise the first 3 weeks we owned it that went from up front to the rear. I laid under it while my wife started it and revved it up and it seemed to be coming from the exhaust system. It disappeared in 3 weeks. Check your clamps and the heat shields. We had put different tires on ours and had a vibration and had Discount Tire test them on their load force machine and 2 of them were defective and could not be balanced properly so they replaced them. Hope this helps. A few Aerios had a defective wheel bearing problem.
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Just a friendly reminder to **not** put your email address in the posts. If you want others to see it, make it public in your profile. We have had people put their email addresses in posts and then complain within one week that their inbox is full of spam (darn bots and spammers).
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    I think you are beginning to come to grips with the reality that the 03 SX just isn't a very refined or well built car. I had many of the same annoyances that you have. My black paint had horrible swirls and crack marks even after waxing it. It looked really bad in sunlight. The rough idling loud engine combined with the clunking front brakes and nonstop buzzing from the door panels drove me crazy. There is far too much cheap looking plastic inside. The amount of power coming from the loud engine was not impressive at all, nor was the fuel economy. The Aerio just doesn't have the refinement other cars in the class possess. Drive the new 04 Spectra or the Elantra GT and you will see what I mean. I got rid of mine at 9600 miles and haven't looked back.

    I've spent a year and 11000 miles with an 03 Hyundai Tiburon V6 and have been positively thrilled. The build quality and refinement of this Korean car far outshines the Japanese built Aerio. Can you believe I have yet to see the dealer for any problems? Fuel economy has impressed me (got 27 mpg on the highway averaging between 80-100; the same mileage my Aerio 5 speed could muster at those speeds) and there are no buzzes coming from any interior piece even with the 360 watt Infinity system cranked loud and the bass turned up. No brake clunks and the paint shows no swirls and looks great in the sun. In my honest opinion, if you can handle the huge loss trading it in, I would do so and move on to a better car that you will be happy with. Suzuki dropped the ball with this car. It's a well designed concept that just wasn't executed well enough.
  • davidd5davidd5 Member Posts: 79
    Have just over 26,000km[16,000mile] on a 03 SX. It has been trouble free. Break in took about 10,000km before it really freed up. Much more pep and better fuel economy now. Can drive for 10 hours and no be sore. Paint is fine,had the brake clunk. Was fixed at the dealer. No buzzes,rattles.
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    22,000 miles on our 2002 SX and the paint is still perfect, we never had the door buzz nor any of the other problems that Jonathon had (post # 1065) but then a year ago he admitted that he never should have bought the Aerio in the first place as it didnt fit his image and he couldnt wait to get rid of it. The engine is ours is quieter now and much more responsive and the gas mileage around our urban area continues to amaze me. as we now get well above what is expected for this car. The ease of entry and comfort is hard to beat. and all of our Suzukis have held up well over the years. I think Jonathon should stick to the Hyundai Tiburon web site and let us enjoy our Zuki;s.
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    I think I can post where I want. I was providing some consolation for someone who is having second thoughts on their Aerio after having many of the same problems I had. Glad you like yours, but you don't have to be negative to someone who had problems with theirs. If I was some troll who came in here claiming the Aerio was crap and had never owned one, I could understand your negative tone. But I'm not, so I think its uncalled for. I liked certain aspects of the Aerio. It was a roomy wagon at an attractive price with comfortable seats, but mine didn't live up to my quality expectations. And since I came from a 2000 basic Accent, I thought it would be pretty easy to exceed my expectations. It was just rather disappointing especially after driving an 03 Elantra GT which my friend paid just as much as I did for my SX. The fact the wagon image didn't fit me as much as I thought it did was not the reason I couldn't wait to get out of it. Believe me, I'd much rather have not lost over $5k on the deal with my meager income.

    By the way, were you not the one that recently mentioned how impressed you were with the Aveo? You stated it was quieter and rides better then the Aerio. And that is a car that is cheaper then the Aerio. So, basically you admitted the Aerio is less refined then cheaper cars and even mentioned contemplating getting rid of it soon due to Suzuki's lack of interest in the car. So why is it you have a problem when I state the same thing? Oh, and having a check engine light come on due to a hose falling off is hardly what I would consider trouble free. Minor, yes, but it doesn't represent solid build quality.
  • frenchcarfrenchcar Member Posts: 247
    I had completely forgotten the check engine light that took them 5 minutes to diagnose and fix and I think I may have actually have damaged that little hose while I was screwing with the air filter set up to clean and oil the K $ N. I suspected some road or tire noise but confirmed it when I drove the Aveo which is quieter than many cars. Road noise is my only complaint with the Aerio but I wear 2 hearung aids and they really accentuate noises. We love the Aerio but got an early one with the short warranty and my old Sidekick has many miles on it so sometime we will part with one of them. I want to also check out the Reno and Forenza Wagon and just sat in a new Kia Spectra and the hatchback version will be out in June but it sat a little low for my taste. The seat height of the Aerio has us both spoiled so we are not sure what we will do. and we might just keep these 2 forever.. The Suzuki dealer here also owns the Kia set up and Im getting more excited about Korean cars and so is Chevrolet and so is Europe.
  • teets18teets18 Member Posts: 28
    Ding, Ding, Ding,.....Round three!
  • buddybubuddybu Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to replace my 1998 Dodge Stratus and am looking at the smaller wagons. I will be using this as a commuter car -- 280 a week.... I am looking for primarily reliability, but second most comfort. Can I have your opinions?

    Thanks!
    Bud
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    -buddybu.......for your main criteria, reliability and comfort, you really can't beat the Aerio, as these are 2 of it's strongest points. While not the most refined small car out there, it beats most in roominess, the seats are very comfortable (we drove it for 9-12 hrs/day on our trip down east and were not fatigued) and it's been completely reliable for the 2 years/30,000 kms we've owned it. It's also very easy to get in and out of and it's higher driving position is not unlike your Caravan. We had a 1993 4 door Suzuki Sidekick for 10 years/200,000 km which never required anything more than routine maintenance. If I were buying a car strictly as a commuter, I would probably lean toward an Echo hatchback(not available in US) or sedan, because they are cheaper and get better mileage and the space is adequate for a commuter/grocery getter.
    We chose the Aerio for the extra room because it had to double as a family vacation car for camping etc.
  • rctennis3811rctennis3811 Member Posts: 1,031
    Aerio's a great car for commuters and active people!
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I've been interested in the Aerio since I sat in it earlier this year at an auto show. The only problem is that Suzuki hasn't sold enough of them to consumer reports readers for them to make a judgement on reliability!

    Aside from that, the nearest Suzuki dealer is so far out of the way that buying one would be a major inconvenience. You'd think that there would be dealers closer to Boston, but there aren't.

    Bummer
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