Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
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xterrabill: Or should it be axiombill? My owners manual came in a plastic bag. Seems like it's really a dealer thing on how they present their stuff on delivery. As for the bug guard, I had one on my last truck, a 4Runner, and took it off after a few highway trips in the rain. It was causing my wipers to lift at any speed over 40. Since the axiom is more aerodynamic you might want to find out if anyone else has problems with theirs, does look sharp though. Its not too easy finding Axiom specific parts yet from any source other then Isuzu so good luck.
Here are two decent sites for OEM parts:
http://www.partscheap.com/axioma.htm
OR
http://www.stcharlesauto.com/parts.html
Partscheap is generally cheaper but St. Charles ships direct from Isuzu warehouse, FedEx for free.
Bought my hitch from them, no problems.
My manual also came in a plastic bag. I would prefer a leather or at least a vinyl pouch, but oh well.
-mike
Speaking of which, there is another Axiom NHTSA bulletin about poor fit on the front door weatherstripping (mine is creeping like a mid-life waist-line on passenger door upper outside corner); item #SB621363.
The NHTSA is a US federal agency, "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration", with a searchable Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov
-jj-
-mike
I agree with Axiombill, I have always had the oil changed every 3-4,000 miles in all my cars or trucks. I also usually bring it to the dealer for convenience and the fact that there always seems to be something else that needs to be done. (ie loose weatherstripping!). FYI, you can change the default Service Distance on the MID from 7,500 to a setting between 2000-7500 miles in increments of 500 miles. Check out p 5-29 in owners manual.
3-4 gallons doesn't seem too bad to have as a reserve once the fuel light goes on and I wouldn't exactly trust the "miles to empty" since it often seems to reset itself.
to the frame on the passenger side using braided wire then do the same on the drivers side. I did this in order to line up the holes properly and started on the drivers side to get the hitch above the exhaust pipe. I then ran into my most severe problem. The first bolt I needed to install into a weld nut in the frame was behind two pieces of metal with holes for the bolt. Unfortunately, these holes did not line up properly. I could not thread the bolt into the weld nut without removing some metal with a file from the outside layer of metal. Everything went very smoothly after I was able to start the first bolt.
I also had some difficulty inserting the rubber plug on the wire harness.
I was able to save $100 by installing the trailer hitch myself.
After the trip, I checked the oil level and it looks like the engine consumed some oil, perhaps 1/5 of the length of the dipstick between min. and max. marks. I guess this is normal and they warn you about it in the manual. I am noticing that the motor works smoother and quieter as it is breaking in, the idle is lower, more stable and throttle response is quicker. I love this car and think I will own it for a long time!
I have heard a similar intermitent noise in my Axiom, but it is only when driving in TOD at highway speeds. Were you in TOD at the time?
I have noticed that temperature has a huge affect on how much windnoise penetrates the cabin. The temperature has gotten warmer here in California and it sure seems like my Axiom is considerably more quiet. When it is warmer outside the weatherstrip probably expands to form a tighter seal and thus reduces wind noise. Temperature might play a role in your weatherstrip problem. Also with AC on, that will dry out the cabin.
I agree that the Axiom's headlights work great, but when I drive dark roads at night, people in cars are always flashing their lights at me as if I have my brights on. I don't even use my driving lights.
I now have over 3000 miles on my Axiom and my city mileage has improved substantially. Over the first 2000 miles it was below 13 mpg, but in the last 1000 miles I am getting 15 mpg. I am still averaging between 21 and 22 highway, very happy about that.
-mike
K2rm, the noise in the rear axle was audible in either 2WD or TOD (no difference). It does not seem to be normal, though. I am going to the dealership on Saturday to have this noise inspected, then I will let you guys know. Like many of you who posted messages here before, the tire pressure in my Axiom was way over the recommended level (42 psi vs. 26 as suggested by the mfcturer). I adjusted it the day after I bought the car and now it is at 26 in all four tires.
Perhaps we should all follow my friend's advice (he drives a Grand Cherokee): "If you start hearing strange noises, just turn your radio up, it will go away." I would like my Axiom to be perfect, though, and run with no strange noises or imperfections. I guess I am a dreamer.
I recommend at least 30psi.
I run 40psi in my Trooper.
-mike
Careful about overinflating the tires, maximum allowed tire pressure is posted on the tire's sidewall (ususally 36 PSI) and should only be used when it is loaded at recommended maximum load capacity.
Inflating tires to max capacity with no cargo will offer minimal gain in fuel effeciency at the expense of ride comfort. The tires will bounce like basketballs when hitting the slightest bumps.
-mike
-mike
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43790/article.html
FYI, in Aftermarket & Accessories section there is a "K&N Air Filters, Bolt-On Power" board.
Opinion there seems mixed on the actual benefits of using the K&N. Makes me wonder, if they really are as good as claimed, how come manufacturers don't use something similar? Any of you Isuzu guys have any feedback on this. Thanks.
-mike
More flow of air = MAF will send more fuel in with the increased flow.
-mike
Stares?!?! What stares!
My tires have never made any noise as you describe and I find it hard to believe tires need to warm up. It sounds more like a lubrication problem in the drive train. I could believe that if the drive train wasn't properly lubricated it could take a few miles for fluids to completely coat the gears as viscosity is related to temperature. After reading messages on many forums, it often seems like if someone thinks something is not normal, it usually turns out to be a problem no matter what the dealer says. Keep on them and good luck.
I'm debating to put liscence plate in the front. I have to drill a whole to the bumper.....not good..
You shouldn't have to drill the front bumper, if your state requires a front plate your isuzu dealer should have installed a plate holder in the front IIRC.
-mike
-mike
Paisan! I took some pictures, I don't think it came out good but I'll take some more and e-mail it to ya~! Thanks for your help!
In California, my dealer didn't install the holder and when I asked about it, they said they don't do it on vehicles that don't come from the factory standard with them since they want to leave it up to the consumers whether they want to have it installed, which they will do. They were also a GM dealership and sold cameros and corvettes which also don't come standard with a front holder and I guess some of their customers have gotten upset at them for drilling their bumpers and installing it.
I told them that I thought it was required by California state law to have it displayed and they said technically it was, but police don't hassle people about it. I was a little skeptical by this answer. I had the opportunity to talk to a police officer about the subject when he was taking a police report for vandalism done to my Axiom while I still had my temporary plates. He said technically, it is required, but Police these days don't worry about the front since so many cars aren't coming standard with the front, presumably since dealers aren't installing them. He said just keep the front plate in the vehicle if a police officer ever asks.
I have driven this way for 3 months now and haven't had any problems and I do notice many vehicles being driven without the front plate.
Maybe since your dealer didn't install it isn't required where you live.