Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Comments
We haggled at one dealer and then another and got a great deal on a 2004 Maxx...price was below invoice and the gave me almost 14 for my Axiom (2002 4WD with the TAN leather but not the XS model).
I am still in the hole because of how much the Ax depreciated, but the Maxx seems to be a well built vehicle (built on a Saab 9-3 platform) and it rides really well. The listed MPG is 22 city and 30 highway...I figure if I get 19-20 I will be getting 7 mpg more than the Axiom (lots of short trips).
I still love the look of the Axiom, but the wet weather traction and horrendous gas mileage became issues I no longer wanted to deal with...plus..it's my wife's car and she wanted to change...
Now if I can only keep her in the Maxx for 5 years!!!
I understand about the trade though, if I wasn't so deep into my trooper at this point I would consider trading it in on a larger truck with a V8 that gets the same if not better mileage. I get 11/12 around town and think I can get at least that with a full size truck, like a sequoia or tahoe. While I like my truck, it has cost me $1000 in repairs alone per year 4/5 of ownership (add that to dealer hassle and closures).
Test drove Sorento – did not like the stiff ride and engine power (only 195HP) with same or probably worse gas mileage, although it is more quite than much more powerful Axiom’s engine, especially with new direct injection 250HP.
Could get ’04 Axiom XS with all goodies that mine has for about 7K difference (up to $5,000 rebate on new Axiom), but thought: why on earth would I pay 7K for almost same vehicle, only 2 years newer, especially when it is discontinued and God knows what’s going to happen to Isuzu next year? I was surprised seeing ’04 Axiom without Power-Winter transmission mode switch and tape player. I don’t really care about playing tapes, but I use tape player in my Axiom for the adapter that transmits audio from laptop (using as DVD player) on long trips. The only differences between ’04 and ’02 that I noticed were: 250HP direct injection engine vs. 230HP (did not feel much difference when test drove it), Japanese transmission with dip stick (finally) vs. French transmission, and, as I mentioned above, missing mode switch and tape player.
I did not test Rodeo, Montero, Xterra, Pathfinder, RAV4, CRV, Cherokee and Liberty as I test drove those before I made my decision to buy an Axiom. Not interested in any of those Chevy, Dodge or Ford SUV’s at all and don’t even want to test drive them.
The only one that caught my eye was Nissan Murano. To be honest, I fell in love with that crossover SUV after test driving it: very smooth car-like ride, award winning 245HP powerful engine, extremely smooth new CVT transmission, very roomy inside compared to how it looks from outside (you can put 13” TV on dash), although the cargo area is not as roomy as Axiom’s. Turn radius is excellent, very nice looking interior and exterior. And it is Nissan – what can I say? Almost going bankrupt 4-5 years ago and now crowded with buyers dealerships that I have seen during my latest three trips to local Nissan and compared to other almost empty ones. And I am talking about real filling out applications buyers interested in truly great in my opinion products.
To make the story short, Murano would not fit my pocket. It doesn’t even make since to buy a used Murano since the one year depreciation of Murano is only $1,000 - $2,000. So I decided to stay with my Axiom, which I still like very much for its unique looks, features and power, until the power train warranty expires (another two years). After that I definitely will be interested in purchasing Murano, unless there will be another vehicle out there that will catch my eye. I was also considering Highlander and Pilot, but they are in the same price range as Murano, my favorite one.
I still will be around for a while
Anyone have any ideas?
You have checked to make sure the e-brake isn't stuck on? That would be something simple.
One kid, a 2000# boat, maybe a larger boat soon, maybe a camper soon. I want a full frame, solid axle SUV with "boxy" shape and looks. Gas mileage inconsequential, need enough room behind back seats for a dog to sleep and turn around in, and also for lumber, mulch, boat gear, camping gear, etc. I don't need leather and prefer not to have a third row of seats. A roof rack is almost mandatory as well. This will be used in blizzards and on the dunes for fishing.
Have looked at or considered Trooper, Axiom (parking lot only), Mountaineer, Pathfinder, Rodeo, Grand Cherokee. Saturn wagon and Passat wagon are nice, but front wheel drive and no frame are the death knell for them. A real wagon (RWD and frame) would really suit nicely, but the only one I see is the Magnum which isn't in the price range.
Anyhow, to the point. Is the Axiom a decent hauler of goods and people? Is it reliable? Strong puller? How is it offroad? How is it in sand? In snow?
Thanks.
Obviously some of these don't fit my criteria completely, but isn't everything a compromise.
Thanks
Are there lift kits available for the Axiom? If so, how much clearance do they gain (what size tires)?
What is the rear end ratio and make on these?
Any good links to offroad pictures of these?
Thanks again.
Not a problem lifting it a bit.
-mike
The dog will fit, my Lab does, not the roomiest back seat but for 1 kid it will do. Hauling lumber? If you do this very often and also have someone else with you in the passenger seat that could be a problem. The one piece tailgate, although common in many suv's is a pain in there rear. In order to get 8'ers in you will have to lower the passenger seat and slide the lumber all the way thru to basically the dashboard. Not the worst thing if you only do it once in a while, but having a flip up rear window like the Pathfinder and Rodeo that are on your list would make the trip a little easier.
Roof rack... my Axiom came with one that holds approx 100-120 pounds, nothing fancy there.
Driving in snow... even with the Badyear Integrity tires the Axiom with it's TOD is amazing. That and the powerful engine are a major advantage.
If you plan on using an Isuzu dealer for any repairs... you may want to invest in a GPS system to make your travels cross country easier... Isuzu dealers are dropping like flies.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
parker 4551: I agree with you. Axiom is a heavy vehicle and getting gas mileage above 16 is a pretty good score. I had a trip with my friend when he was driving his RX300 while I was driving my Axiom. We had full tanks at the beginning of the trip, drove at the same speed, and I was pretty happy when we stopped for refueling. Lexus took approximately one gallon more than my Axiom - 15 versus 14 after driving 300 miles. Axiom averaged 21.4MPG versus 20 MPG on the Lexus! Don't you guys think that this is an impressive score for 3.5L 230HP engine vs. 3.0L 220HP of lighter car-like riding vehicle?
I am not an anti-SUV person, and I drive a small pickup because I need a real 4X4 for work. Trucks have a higher tendency to roll over, they do not handle as well, they ride worse and they get worse fuel economy. But if you need a truck, there is no subsitite.
But why do people put up with all of those disadvantages when they do not need a truck? Why would anyone ever drive a 2wd SUV unless they really need one for towing? If you are looking for fashion accessories there are lots of good looking sport wagons and crossovers. If that does not do the trick, the streets of most major dowtowns are crawling with street vendors who will sell you nice, big and fake gold chains.
This is a great forum, and I do agree, the Goodyear tires suck! What happened with the Goodyear brand, they totally dropped the ball on these tires. Furthermore, I can't believe so many vehicles have these piece of crap tires anyway.
They just offered my brother a 2004 Axiom XS 4x4 for $23K. No Mazda6 or Toyota will ever come close, so let us complain about the mileage a little since there's not much more to complain about.
BTW, any ideas about aftermarket roof rack for Axiom?
Glad this forum warned me about the tires earlier, or I might not of been as cautious as I was in traffic that day. Not expecting it to perform like our Mazda 6 Sedan, but a little closer to the SUV standard would be nice.
I also must admit that my Axiom handled very well in heavy snow last winter with factory installed Integrity’s, but thanks to Axiom’s TOD and ABS, and not to Goodyear.
Overall, I agree that these tires are not good performers when installed on SUV’s, and my Axiom would perform even better with different “true SUV” tires.
I also thought your mileage comparison between the RX300 and the Axiom was dead on. I have found that how you drive this car is a major factor in what kind of gas mileage you get. Want it to perform, downshift alot, then it will burn the gas to move you out, go through the gears moderately, don't run up on stops, and your mileage will be more than favorable, meaning 18 mpg or above.
-mike
Thanks for any help.
Was this a chain shop? I got tires for my Trooper at one firestone place and they balanced them twice with no luck, weights all over the rims, etc. I went to a different one and they just shook their head, pulled off all the weights and got it first time. Cost me $$ though, but am happy to they ride right.
Any other ideas, if not thanks again.
-mike
-mike
-mike
Will try disconnecting the battery for a longer period of time. Will also look over the wiring job the guys putting the wiring harness on for the hitch did. However, the suspension worked fine after that, although the suspension light was on. Locked up after I replaced all four tires with Yokohama Geolanders.
What other kinds of shocks is everyone else buying? And what kind of effect does that have on the electronics?
-mike
When I get some time in the next week I will drive a hour or so to the dealership in Springfield, IL since the local labor unions are on strike in St. Louis.
-mike
However it is possible they are at 44 and that could be contributing. I stick with about 35 psi.
I believe the sticker has some meaning if it’s placed on the vehicle by manufacturer. No one would ignore the manufacturer's suggested oil change or timing belt replacement intervals. Why should we ignore the recommended tire pressure and make statement that 27 PSI is too low when the recommended pressure is 26 PSI?
I remember leaving a shop after tire rotation on my Axiom, and I could not keep my hands on the steering wheel while driving on bumpy road. I stopped, checked the pressure - 35 PSI(!). Lowered to recommended 26 and continued driving with smooth ride...
P.S. I now totally agree that the stock Integrity tires are junk as far as performance goes (although the ride is smooth). Pushed the acceleration pedal from stop the other rainy day while the TOD switch was on RWD, and I the Ax started dancing – almost hit both cars on left and right lanes. Did the same thing even on dry surface.
That is the min. amount of pressure I would put in. The reason for those #s is to attain a balance of ride comfort and control. If you preferr a firmer ride you can bump them up. I run usually 5psi above stock on my cars because I value control over ride comfort...
-mike
It may be the geolanders? But everything I have read about those tires speaks volumes about how good they are, never anything about poor ride quality.
Did you get stock size or something different. I ask because 75 ratio tires are often LT(Light truck) tires not P rated and have a different belt pattern inside the rubber causing a harsher ride, but the ability to support greater loads.
Each tire is 245mm wide, the sidewall height is the second number in % terms times the first (i.e. 245*0.70). Most 75 series tires are LT which more often than not have a harsher ride.