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1 ACURA MDX:
2.SIENNA
3.FORRESTER
4.LAND ROVER
The problems with these vehicles were low mileage .
I'm going to scout the UNASSAILABLE BMW!!
TO DATE I VISIT 3 AZTEK BOARDS.......ONE.....ONLY ONE PROBLEM
REAR HATCH LATCH. Nothing more serious then that.
DIN.....I'm curious about your interest in the AZTEK?? Take care.
Either on this boards or user groups over at YAHOO.
As a curiousity , there are INDIVIDUALS on this board who berate the AZTEK without truly experiencing the vehicle. Now i went to another board to see what the experience is with EXPENSIVE GERMAN vehicles. Here is what I found:
x5 problems
I own a 528, and also have had an X5 for about 7 months. For those of you considering buying one, I think you should wait a couple of years as there are numerous problems with the vehicle. These include stalling, wind noise, seat belt malfunction, gas guage and fuel sender not working, doors not opening from the inside while within the car, and doors/hatches not closing properly. Many people have posted notes about a multitude of problems. Some get fixed. Some don't. For example the dealer and BMW - USA aren't willing to deal with the wind noise. Also, they only will attempt to fix something they can duplicate. So when you're locked in the car and can't open the door they don't take it seriously unless they can repeat the problem when they have the car.
I find this very interesting and relevant. I have seen no POSTS even closely resembling this on the AZTEK? My dealer is responsive but the great thing with the AZTEK is........I truly have not had to find out HOW responsive because there are no problems.
I would be VERY VERY upset spending the kind of money for other foriegn German vehicles and having the experience above.
Things that make one go.........HMMMMMMMMM.
Please let this one through.......very relevant.
signed.....your TROUBLE FREE AZTEK PAL
Yes , no question every manufacturer has problems. Is it not outstanding how few the AZTEK has had.
I would like to know Sales figures for BMW x5 & Forrester??
I follow the Subaru Forester sites since I own one, most of the complaints I have noticed are on 98-99 models. Very few on 01 MY, which has been available since March 2000. Most statistally based reporting on quality has the Subaru very highly rated in the past 10 years. CR rates all subaru's as recommended, Consumer Digest has them as Best Buys. That said there are and will be individuals who will have problems.
www.media.gm.com
TinCUP.......still not readily apparent where you get these sales figures. First I go to Automotive news .......nothing there. WHERE DO YOU GET THIS magical magazine.
Then you send me to www.media.gm.com........nothing readily apparent.
First you say they are in the MAGAZINE......not on Website . Then in same message you claim the sales figures are on website.
They are certainly well hidden.
Clear QUESTION: You are QUOTING sales figures for the AZTEK, Forester, x5.
You have not POINTED me to where??.........Hmmmmmm
By the way.......why are you so interested in the AZTEK?? Secretly WANT one.
AZTEK ENVY??
signed your
AZTEK PAL......no defects to date (different from Forester & Bmw)
hmmmmmmm
Automotive News is one of the premier magazines reporting on the Auto Industry, they just celebrated their 75th anniversary. They report more on the business side of the industry.
Another site you can check for sales figures is
www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp
I can assure you I have no desire to purchase an Aztek. I do find this an interesting forum and it is one of many I follow and contribute to.
Another site you can check for sales figures is
the Autosite Market report.http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp
I can assure you I do not make up these figures,they are readily available.
Did you buy a used Aztek? Are you sure it's AWD? The reason I ask is that the $15,700 sale price you quoted is $7000 below dealer invoice for a base model AWD Aztek. I find it impossible to believe that a dealer would sell you a car for a $5000 loss. Moreover, the trade in value of a '97 Tracker fully loaded is $7300 at best.
No, it is a brand new Aztek. It only had 38 miles on it when I left the lot. Also, it states on the hatch-back that it's AWD. (Unless Pontiac put it there by mistake.
The deal he said was only good until the end of the month. I took it two hours before he closed on the 31st, after working it for a little over a week. I guess he really wanted the lot space so he took the loss. I have the paperwork that shows all this. And I'm not complaining. I really like "the big cockroach," as my girlfriend calls it.
We're going to trying the camping come summer.
PS: Any oweners out there know how to get the theft deterent system to work? I have it but never see the "flashing" light.
Frankly, I wouldn't worry about it. Do you really think anyone is going to want to steal an Aztek?
We have a quoted price of $30,800 CDN for a GT equipment group SC1, does this sound good?
On my Aztec, when I hit the "LOCK" button
on my keychain ONCE, the lights flash it simply locks all doors...
When I hit it a SECOND time, the horn toots AND the lights flash, enabling the Theft Deterrent System.
By the way I sold a one year old LX470 for $1,000. less than purchased ..THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN WITH A AZTEK...By the way how do you get away with insulting "Tincup" calling his magazine...."Magical Magazine" ..!
Drove the Escape (5 recalls in 1 year, forget it), Tribute (chintzy interior, very loud, blah stying), RAV (cute, tiny and pricey) and CRV (not so cute and tiny) in making the decision. prices of all were very close once the others were outfitted to match the Aztek's base. I looked at the BMW but $55K is outrageous. I felt the Aztek had the best ride & is better equipped than the others, plus it's much bigger.
I needed a car that could hold my friends & their gear for trips, carry large canvases, and could handle snowstorms. Didn't want or need a gas-guzzling SUV, am an urban person. The Aztek has done everything I need in fine fashion. It's great for long road trips - much smoother ride than the SUVs, good gas mileage, handles well, easy to drive, loads of room. It's a bit pokey on the acceleration but it's not a sports car.
As for the styling, it looks strange but most people like it when they get a close-up look. Mine's black. it looks future-military, like something Aeon Flux might drive. About 50 people (friends & co workers) have been in it and only one hates it (that person's a truck fan). I think a different look isn't a bad thing. All SUVs look the same -- fairly dull - except for the sexy gas-guzzling Xterra. I will say the Aztek looks horrendous in some of the foul colors they've slapped on the poor beast and tends to look like a giant sneaker in blue.
I've put the thing through its paces and am very pleased with the beast. I was uneasy about purchasing a brand-new model so I leased it, but I might buy one at the end of the lease. I went from driving a small 2 seater sports car to this. I'm not a big-car or SUV person but I am very happy with my Aztek experience.
FYI I got the car from priceline.com. Dealers are as obnoxious as ever, even with a car that doesn't sell. There was a scathing article in last friday's New York Times about the Aztek being a bad mistake - a shame. The car suffers more from Pontiac's feeble and confusing ad campaign (what's up with that amateurish, jumbled print ad??) than from its styling or performance. I bet most cars will have similar "looks" in the next 2-3 years, from the looks of the new vehicles being shown at car shows now. Really too bad. It's a very good car with a bad image.
Apples and Oranges-A Comparison
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The AZTEK will serve me in good stead for 10 years. My daughter who loves the vehicle will be using it in 7 years when she goes off to UNIVERSITY. I don't change vehicles like underwear. I buy what I enjoy and keep the vehicles.
GOOD for my pocketbook......BETTER for the environment.
But thanks for your ADVICE.
TIGER-B: I ECHO YOUR SENTIMENTS.
kissfan : You asked what my interest is in Aztek. Well, I'm not sure. In it's current form I'm not very interested in buying one, but with some cosmetic changes I might. I just like hearing about peoples experiences with this vehicle. It could be my mini-van / SUV compromise as I don't see myself in a Dodge Caravan. Again, some changes are needed for me to seriously consider it.
EMAIL ME......it is great minivan / suv compromise. It was for me!!
kissfan@raidersfan.net
I think you may be able to do a little better. You mention your quote in Canadian.$$ if you are seriously considering the vehicle and you are in Toronto area I can make some suggestions.
BY the way I work in TELECOMS no where near CARS. But I'm high on this vehicle because in my SHOPPING I fopund nothing that really touches it.
Bout the seat.......I had 6' 6" guy in back seat on drive from Toronto to BUFFALO (Bills Game). He thought it was very comfortable.
By the WAY...TAILGATE with this vehicle was awesome. I got more......WOW COOL CAR comments then I could count.
Like I said ENS give me an EMAIL if you are in TORONTO. Be glad to help you out!
See my email in posts above.
Stephen
In the end, the car is not for everybody. Most people like to be either be inconspicuous or trendy so they buy a car to match. Few people are bold enough to buy an Aztek, because they are too concerned about how others perceive them. I am the first to admit that I am one of those people, but my wife isn’t. Because of my wife, we found a great replacement for the minivan.
The facts are the Aztek has tons a room, far more than a 4 Runner, Nissan Pathfinder or any other mid sizesed SUV. Despite what most people say, the car has plenty of power, and gets 23 mpg to boot. It can tow 3500 lbs, has every gadget you can think of. The leather interior is beautiful. Fit and finish rivals my bimmer. The quality of the interior materials puts most other cars to shame. The radio is arguable the best sound system available in any car, (with the exception of maybe the McIntosh stereo in the Subaru Outback VDC). Add to that the versatility of AWD and what so far appears to be exceptional quality especially for an American car and you have winner.
I would recommend that anyone with 2 + children seriously consider this car. The only other cars I would recommend are a bmw, VW Passat, and Acura MDX. All of which have great resale values, since resale value and looks seem to be the two most important things for a few people on this board.
Bit of a finance leason for you. A car is not an investment, it is a depreciating asset. If you want a good return on your money purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real-estate, not a car.
Considering the AZTEK is built by a clearly inferior company and has not benefited from the wonders of german engineering........AND is only 1/2 the price.
Those 13,000 or so owners are one happy bunch. In discussions with the VP service management at the local dealership the launch of the AZTEK from a PRODUCT QUALITY point of view has been 2nd to none.
Nice try Stephen.......
Also, most people realize that cars are a depreciating assetbut you don't have to buy the ones that depreciate the quickest.
I think that Pontiac has built a vehicle that seems to be put together well, has good utility, but won't sell until they make the looks palatable enough that people won't worry about their neighbors thinking they are style-challenged. Vehicle styling should ideally make you lust after it, it can be neutral if the value and quality is good (ie: Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the definition of bland, non-offensive styling), but the Automotive world is full of groundbreaking, technically advanced vehicles that were sales flops because of polarizing design.
I did my evaluation and on my list of Qualities the AZTEK led the pack. There was no other vehicle that came close for the price.
I like the STYLING and I put little credence in the SUBJECTIVE thoughts of other.
Resale is irrelevant.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IS BORING.... IT IS SAFE. I PREFER THE AVANT GRADE
And as for what the NEIGHBORS think........ that is a concept to which is abhorrent to me.
The day I do something to please the NEIGHBORS is the day I should find a box.
The AZTEK perhaps is my statement that different is good. Carry's , Honda's , and BOXY undersized four wheel drive station wagons be damned.
signed
your AZTEK PAL
I have never bought a vehicle in the past with resale as a priority, but it will be nice to have one with high resale for a change. 98 Foresters are selling in the $18-19,000 range, not bad for a 3 yr old vehicle that was 21,000 when new.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Just Teasing
Signed
your independent thinking
AZTEK PAL
I'll be trading my '99 Jeep in at the end of the year and want a vehicle that will seat more than five. In California, everyone has to be in a seatbelt. So, folks jumping in the back for a quick trip will get you a quick ticket. I'm leaning towards a German SUV.
Mark
Mark
As for the AZTEK....It is a five seater with shoulder harnesses for all. As for my choices , I looked at the Sienna, RAV4, CRV, Subaru. Not interested in Chrysler Product.
Tossed Sienna because I did not want the VAN look. I wanted Van utility without the look.
Looked at:
Forester: Was too small. Too boxy and ergomically backward. I liked the peppy ness of the engine but ultimately I was claustrophic in the vehicle. In addition , the low seating position hinders your view of traffic conditions. Ultimately , safety starts with the driver and the high seating position offers great ROAD vision.
The sound system in the Forester.....is frankly ...lousy. Prefer my 10 Speaker Pioneer sound system. Liked the Forester AWD....but don't really need it all the time.
Plus......the HORROR stories of owners on this board.
RAV 4: Too tiny. Underpowered. But great fit and finish. But size sunk this one.
CRV: Same thing......However I was astounded at the absolute UTILITARIAN - NESS of this vehicle. No creature comforts. Under powered and ergonmically poorly laid out. BUT hey.....IT SELLS a lot.....HAS a HIGH RESALE.......But I would not TOUCH it.
Sienna: Van and TOO expensive here in Canada.
So there you have it. AZTEK delivers great space, has fabulous creature comforts, high seating position, Great sound system, Space in back for "full-sized adults" (not just kids).
Signed....
your AZTEK PAL
If you are one to trade vehicles in ......and Mark I think you maybe if you are trading in a 1999 Jeep. Then if you can afford Mercedes or BMW then go for it. GOOD RESALE.
Try the Forester? Let us know what you think?
I am 40 this is the list of vehicles I have had:
HONDA CIVIC (early early edition)
TOYOTA COROLLA GTS
CHEVY ASTRO (1987...Still own it....hauling , moving, firewood.....200,000 miles on it)
PONTIAC AZTEK
Signed
your AZTEK PAL
The "command" seating position in SUV's comes with a price, a much higher tendency for single car rollovers. Also SUV's don't stop or handle as well as most modern sedans, so are less able to avoid an accident. That is an ongoing discussion in another topic tho.
I do find it interesting that an independent thinker like yourself feels the continuing need to justify his purchase.
LOL..... ; )
Where I live in the Desert (Palm Springs,CA) you can always tell when a Canadian snow bird is driving down the street especially if it's an older car because they all have Day time running lamps no matter what year or kind of car it is.
Actually, my good friend and neighbor is from Canada. Gets mighty chilly up there!
Happy Motoring, Mark
Second, people I know who own the PT Cruiser did not buy it for it's looks. Yes it is a good looking vehicle, but it also has great handling, gives a smooth ride and it is roomy.
Besides purchasing an Aztek or a PT Cruiser is a matter of preference. If you want a stylish looking smaller vehicle that handles great then buy a PT Cruiser.
If you want a bigger vehicle that has good handling and has a lot of features then buy the Aztek. Different cars for different people.