Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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-mike
-mike
It seems like most tri-state dealers still do that(All makes and models) which %^%& me off. The dealer Paisan and I found both don't pad the numbers. I had a Mazda dealer on LI once have a pre-prints "alarm" fee for $300 and I said no-way cause my buddy owned a shop and I could get it done for under $100. Finally I just did the "walk-out" and they hurried me back and said they will "waive" it this time. Some dealers won't go down on them but you were smart to reduce them. Good for you! BTW, Congrats on your AX! If they had 0%, I was close to getting one but got a 01 LS Trooper instead. Good luck with your purchase!
Cheers,
Con
01 Trooper with 1,200 miles on it now
-mike
PS: Any of you axiom owners, can you send me pics for http://isuzu-suvs.com gallery?
-mike
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html
-mike
Paisan, NYMetro meet sounds interesting. Tell us more. By the way, one of the engineers at Thule said there are definite plans for a roof rack for the Axiom, but probably won't be ready until August or Sept. Just to throw this out there....Anyone use radar or laser detectors or jammers? Are they worth it? I should be in the chat tonight. Have to leave the office now though.
GPS, Street Pilot is very nice but can run you over $700+ though. Check out gps4fun.com for more info on GPS. My buddy just bought a Magellen 330X which is the same thing as the 330 but comes with a car mount, data cable, Map CD-ron, and car lighter adapter for $299 at Staples. You also get a $30 rebate if you buy this month. The rebate is at magellengps.com.
I am a Long Islander with a 01 Trooper plus my neighbor just bought one as well. So we have a big group of Isuzus here. I was talking to Paisan the other day and suggested we have a meet say in July?!?
Cheers,
Con
However, while I applaud Isuzu for this option the chap is being made with only one hand. The reason for this is that they are not good "deals" and they are "loss leaders" getting you to focus on the payment and not its terms. If the payment is based on 48 month program while the warranty for the AX is 36 month/50,000 miles you will be operating the vehicle in the fourth (and most critical year) without a "financial" safety net.
One of the basic rules of leasing is that the lease should not extend beyond the warranty as 1) you don't own the vehicle and 2) you will not reap the benefit from a repair paid out of your own pocket during the final months. Look at it from this example. Let's say you lease the AX and the a/c evaporator breaks in month 46. Since the basic warranty is expired, and its not covered by the 10 year powertrain warranty, you will have to pay for the repair (averaging about $500.00) only to give the vehicle back to the manufacturer weeks latter.
In short, what shimmers is not always gold. Isuzu needed to make the lease deal 48 months in order to get the payment low and below that of the more expensive vehicles. Remember the current residual value of the AX is about 46% while the Acura and Mercedes SUVs are 58% and 63% respectively. Yes, the Acura and Mercedes are more expensive, but this is leasing not purchase. In leasing you are paying the difference between the agreed upon price and what it will be worth in 4 years. Thus, a more expensive vehicle sometimes is a better deal in the long run especially if has a good warranty (4 years or longer).
Again, I like AX for all of the reason previously stated and I have noted several of its short comings (no vehicle is perfect). However, my parents always told me to look at all sides of a box and not just the ones you see at first glance. If Isuzu is really serious about moving the AX then they need to extend their warranty to cover the terms of programs offered. This may be difficult for Isuzu to do, but bitting the bullet today may save them from bitting their lips latter as the AXs collect dust on the lots.
The problem with most detectors is that they are very sensitive and will detector every electric door in an urban setting. This is the reason that in our area the police like to post themselves at a supermarket or drug store in that most people hear the "beeps" and chalk it off to another false "door" alarm. In fact, my son calls it a "Walgreens" detector and associates the sound in the city with food, drinks or toys.
As for models, I use the K40. It doesn't have the text read outs like the Passport but it has never failed to pickup the state troopers well in advance of me seeing them. In fact, the K40 is the only one I have seen that comes with both a hard wire kit and a travel cord so that you can set it up in your primary vehicle and easily move it to another. Also, the K40 comes with a ticket warranty in which they will reimburse for your first ticket during the first year (ok, its a marketing gimick).
Again, there are lots of brands and I am sure there are many good ones. But when it comes to highway driving, I won't be without one. Its also the first thing I will get if I get the AX.
-mike
-mike
Leasing only makes sense if you own a business cause you can take the tax write-off.
-mike
I also feel buying an Isuzu makes sense. Given the bad press lately, I wonder if that contributes to the residual values? And the financing incentives weren't bad considering it's a brand new model. Who wants to put money down on a lease anyway?
I do own my own business, but I don't think that leasing is such a terrific tax advantage anymore. It used to be, but these days I thinks it's a wash.... at least that's what my accountant says.
Mike, hopefully, having a radar detector will keep you from getting tickets in the first place, but what are the chances a cop will know you have one and how often does anyone get out of a speeding ticket to begin with?
I've also been seeing jammers and laser detectors on some websites. Any opinions on these as opposed to plain 'ol radar detectors?
-mike
On trips, I use a Radar Detector and it helps. But one tip to keep in mind is to be wary. Sometimes a highway patrol cruiser will catch notice me speeding especially when he is coming the other way one an Interstate. When I see a cop, I watch him in the rear view mirror and if he looks like he is gonna cross the median I speed up past the crest of a hill and then move to the right lane and slow down. This maneaver has saved my butt several times.
Back to the Axiom: Even with the XS model I have 2 unassigned buttons on the front console. 1 narrow horizontal button and a regular vertical one. What might they be for? Also, other boards (yourself included) seem to be in favor of synthetic oil. I used to do my own oil changes on a Mazda MX6 and think I'll start again for the Axiom. Would you recommend I change to the synthetic at 500 miles or wait until 3500 or so?
Thanks CW for another viewpoint.
-Jake
Extra button-spots are most likely for accessories and other engine options found outside the US. I have many extra buttons on the Trooper and couldn't figure out what they were for til I looked into the Japanese brochure. Most likely one could be use for an engine block heater switch on diesel engines, a power folding mirror button (in japan almost all cars have power folding mirrors), extra fog lights which are optional in Australia and Japan, etc.
As for oil, I waiting til I hit 7500-10K miles to start on the synthetic. And I found mobil 1 worked better than valvoline as far as synthetics go. The mobil 1 made the engine run smoother, and knocked the operating temperature down a few ticks on the temp guage.
-mike
I picked the one I like and drove away happy as a pig in slop. Everyone remarked about the car. Then the ad campaign began on local television and I had numerous people gawking at my car in parking lots etc...several of which actually waited for me to appear and asked me questions about my car.
5-31-2001 I started off to work in the morning and the "check engine" light came on. I only had 500 miles or so on the car but I took it to the dealer immediately. The dealer is only three miles from my door. By the end of the day they called and said to pick it up. Noting that they found the gas cap to not have been tightened correctly so they tightened it and reset the code in the computer. I picked up the car and was quite skeptical about their finding but I accepted it at face value.
I drove away happy again. Noticing that I hadn't scene another anywhere in LA made me smile.
6-8-2001 I started off to work and the "check engine" light came on again, now with just under 1000 miles. I was quite frustrated and immediately went to the dealer. At the end of the day I picked up the car and they had noted that the gas cap had been damaged as a result of not being closed correctly. I didn't care for their assessment of the situation while the service manager and I discussed this whole thing. I had only put gas in this car on two occasions...I didn't think this was possible. I drove away happy as my car is very nice.
6-10-2001 Got in the car to go to work after having not driven the car very few miles since the last service. The "check engine" light is blazing away on the dash now with 1065 miles. I nearly freaked!!! I immediately called American Isuzu Motors and opened a file with the owner's reference thing in the manual. I called the dealer and rather than talk on the phone I faxed a very detailed letter to the owner, service manager and American Isuzu Motors about the reliability of my Axiom.
I received an immediate response from Isuzu that the factory rep would personally get involved with the THIRD repair on my Axiom. As well, the dealer informed me of the same thing. I dropped the car off...they offered my a free rental for my inconvenience and I was off.
They called me on 6-14-2001 to inform me they were placing in a new gas tank, "it isn't looking perfect" was what the service tech said to me. "the o-ring isn't sealing to the gas tank and so we are replacing both...etc..." He advised me the car should be ready by 6-19-2001, if not sooner.
Having not had this car for even a month I have to say the reliability is ZILCH. I got a great deal on this car for about $900 below MSRP. I truly love the styling and handling of this car. I chose my credit union financing as I got 3.9 for five years and that was great. I never lease cars so I am stuck with this for several years.
It saddens me to think that this car might be a lemon. I have to say though I think I will want another Axiom if I have to give this one back. I do like if very much but my experience so far has been rotten.
I will be happy to update anyone if interested...
-mike
You may qualify for a lemon law. Take note how many attempts were made to fix the same problem. The number varies from state to state.
I guess I will demand for a replacement if it isn't fixed after a new gas tank. Or else ask for a full refund plus the inconvenience.
Cheers,
Con
BTW, for all who care, I've been getting 15.6 MPG around town; TOD was only used in the rain.
I asked 2 "mechanics" today about swtiching back to a regular oil after using a synthetic. They both said it was okay. One said, "As long as you put it into the engine." Thanks.
I bought a Yakima roof rack today with the recommended Q83 clips. I got wrong info last month and misquoted the weight limit before. The reference manual states it correctly, 165 lbs, which is the same for Thule. But Thule hasn't made a clip for the Axiom yet. Thule seems to think that this is a good thing since they supposedly look at the specs more carefully and need to come up with a specific clip for the Axiom. I'm not convinced. Seems to me that the major difference is that Yakima's cross bars are round and Thule's are square. I'll be buying the new Thule Evolution hard case, though, since it's height accommodates golf bags, loaded backpacks, and such. (and it looks cool) If my scanner cooperates, I'll send pics. (maybe the 1st Axiom with a roofrack?)
Mike: does the site, www.Isuzudealers.com interest you for your website? It allows you to find dealers in certain states that have in stock the Isuzu model (Axiom, Trooper, Amigo, etc) and color you're looking for.
_Jake
I am thinking about Thule because in Japan, Isuzu sells bolt on Thule mounts for the Trooper. Isuzu USA does not offer a factory roof rack in the states.
Con
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Same thing happened with the Trooper Nudge Bar. They showed it in the accessory catalog from '98->'00, but they never became available in the US. I wound up ordering one from ECB. I should actually contact my guy over @ ECB about making bars for the Axiom as well. Heck we should get Matt over @ Independent 4x to make a replacement front bumper for it for those who don't like the over the top styling of the Axiom front bumper.
-mike
Again, I decided on the AX because of the styling, features and general comfortable. Everything is included and the new leasing program was simply too good to pass on. I wish there was more of them on the road (I have only seen one other in the city), but there is something to say for being unique.
In fact, about a week ago the dealer gave me one for the weekend. As I reached the light at the end of the street, a car with three teens came upon me. They had all the trappings of what what could best be decribed as being from the streets and were quick to give both me and the AX a good look over. However, what transpired before the light turn will stay with me for a long time. The passenger in the front gave me a stern look, a quick glance up and down the vehicle, and then a wide smile and a big tumbs up.
Anyway, I will let you know how it goes. I am planning to take the AX on a 500 mile trip this weekend and I am looking forward to the stares and questions.
-mike
Paisan: Matt e-mailed me and said there was nothing for the Axiom. I'd volunteer my Axiom for any needed specs for Matt for running boards/side rails if the demand is there. I definitely will keep trying to track these down. Someone in Ramsey, NJ said Manik will probably come up with some towards the fall months.
For Axiom gurus: 1) What is the postage stamp size vent on the dash to the left of the elect. computer unit?
2) The outside grilles on the sides toward the rear look like stereo speakers (my brother thinks they're for tailgaiting). Do they have a function?
I was approved for financing on June 4th. I purchased my Axiom on June 9th @ 5.9% over 5 years. On June 5th Isuzu changed the rate to 3.9% over 5 years. Isuzu financing said that since I purchased the car after the rate change, all I would have to do is re-sign the contract at the dealer and re-apply. Well, the dealer won't do it! The finance mgr. says the dealership would have to part with the price of the car for a week or so in order to do the exchange of contracts. I offered to pay the interest during the amount of time the money is exchanging hands between the dealer and the finance company. They wouldn't go for it. I got screwed by getting approved the day before the change went into effect. I'm trying to get back in touch with the finance co. to see if I have any other recourse. What a crappy thing for Isuzu to change the rate so fast! Yeah, rates went down, but the car must be bombing out.
Con
I second the postage stamp is the sensor for the auto-a/c computer.
Matt is a good guy. I haven't gotten in touch with him about measuring up bars for the Axiom yet.
I love the new Axiom commmercial with the Jeep with the rock hanging over the front of it. Where Joe Isuzu says "you aren't really taking that off-roading..."
-mike
The other strange thing is that I could not get the steering wheel at a comfortable position for driving, it wasnt about how high or low i adjusted it, it was about the size of the wheel and the angle. Anyway because it felt weird, it was hard to get a "feel" for how well or terrible the car handled at speed...it did feel a little twitchy to me at highway speeds though.
Anyway, loved the look of the car and the power...would have to really drive it awhile to see if i could live with what to me is the lack of good ergonomics on the inside. BTW, fit and finish was very high though. If the driving position was better i'd give this car a huge thumbs up.
Lastly, i drove down the block to the Acura dealer and sat in the MDX and would have to say the MDX just "felt" right when you sat inside, driving position, pedals, steering wheel, view over the hood etc..and of course its about 10,000 more!! Also, I am still thinking about picking up a used 6 month old Montero, now that I think they are going to be a steal! And also, I LOVE my Trooper I would only change vehicles now for something that would be a little more comfortable doing long highway drives as that is more of what I'll be doing. I still think the fun factor can't be beat in the Trooper....and I doubt I'll be buying the MDX at those prices..!! So, to summarize...
I liked the Axiom a lot, but it didnt have the personality to me that the Trooper has. I STILL think it may end up being the right vehicle in the more comfort and value oriented end of the SUV market for me...
If I was a first time SUV buyer, I would get the AX because of the good V6 engine and great styling plus it is a little bit bigger than the Rodeo for about the same price.
As for the MDX, well, I want one too but two things stike it off the list:
1. Too much money and currently selling very close to MSRP
2. I do take my SUV off-road and beach for fishing so I would be too afraid to take a $40k+ MDX(which is based on the Minivan platform) off-roading. But boy it is nice looking.
Good luck on your quest.
Cheers,
Con
P.S. If money was not an option I would own all of these SUVs:
1. Land Cruiser
2. Land Rover Discovery II
3. MDX
4. AX with Super Charger and lowered(someone on outdoorwire.com did a supercharger for the Isuzu engine).
Plus still have my Trooper but the Trooper would have a Calmini 3" lift and 33" tires, lockers, ARB bumpers, etc. etc. etc.(I can dream can't I?!?)
thanks!
http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/detroit2001/eyesondesign/awards08.html
I had a lot of trouble finding a 4x4 version of this truck in LA, but I eventually found one in Lancaster. I'm very happy with it, took it up into the local mountains (after first breaking it in) and it handled very well on the mountain roads. It also handled well on the nasty dirt road where I wrecked my old Subaru Outback. So I'm happy.
I'm bummed about the lack of a roof-rack, I assume that this will soon be solved, owner experiences with aftermarket racks would be appreciated.
Bang for the buck you can't beat it.
A friend who parks in my office lot just bought a new loaded Volvo Cross Country. Seems like a nice car, but also probably pricier. Not nearly as good looking as the Axiom. What's with the headlight wipers anyway? Locusts?
Any feedback regarding my 6/29 scenario? BTW, thanks for the trivia answers.
-Jake
-mike
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp
-mike