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I like his line: "It will go away, just like the rest of our screw-ups"
Is this the AZTEK forum or is it about the Lexus, BMW, Passat etc.. that you mention in every other post?
You seem to have an obsession about my what I drive. You've mentioned it at least 10 times.
It's not right to slow down and look at a car wreck , but we still do it..!!
Who want's to be in the BMW and Lexus Forums, It's like watching a "Martha Stewart Show" everything is perfect and boring..!!
While the Aztek Fourm is like watching the "Jerry Springer SHow" you cannot believe people actually drive these "Butt Ugly Aztek(thank you Edmunds ) vehicles".....However I am here to give
someone alternative's to the "Pumba the talking Pig", Aztek (Again thank you Edmunds for that name).
I might get someone to look at the Santa Fe, or a used 4 Runner, Pathfinder, or Even a used Tahoe, and save the property values in the neighborhood ( no Aztek parked in the driveway)
Oh and "Kiss Fan " calling me a liar..Care to place a wager on what drive..YOur pink slip for my BMW's pink slip..(of course if I won your Aztek, I would sell if and take the $12,000. and invest in some real estate)
By the way it seems we do agree on one point>>>>>>
>>>"price Point" I think you mentioned in one your 850 posts ..If GM does continues to lower their MSRP on Aztek's to absurd level's ( say brand new $18,000) it will become a better seller..Typical GM marketing, lower the price until it's so low even the greeter at Walmart can afford a Aztek...
Me If all I could afford was the Aztek , I would still buy a used 4 Runner (Top Crash ratings, and fantastic resale)
Post 1400 & 1401 remain irrelevant and add nothing to the discussion of the Aztek??
more gm hate and personal attacks
Now the Aztek. That we both consider innovative, cool and flat out fun! The 'Tek is a great ride for the thirty-something crowd with kids. Besides, thirtysomthing is too young for a mini-van
As far as our impending car purchase, we are sitting tight on purchasing a 'Tek until the front crash test results are released and the next incentive period begins. As much as we like it, the 'Tek does appear to be slightly overpriced compared to other options.
Kissfan, how do you like the front seat cupholders? Does snow "bunch-up" between the hood and the winshield? When you look in the rear-view mirror, what part of the back window do you look out? Is it the upper, large slanted portion, or is it the lower, smaller vertical portion? Either way, is it difficult to see when it is raining (due to no wiper)?
Juancho1, that is a great idea to put an electric cooler in the back! But then again, that is what the 'Tek is all about. We are looking forward to taking a multi-state trip this summer - hopefully in a 'Tek.
Keep the usefull, original posts coming.
Anticipating in the Great Midwest!
Snow in front well.......Very very topical subject. Today was the first day when the snow blanketted the vehicle. When cleaning the vehicle this morning I had to brush away some snow in the well. If I didn't brush some the wiper mechanism would have been impaired. Of course today was an "exceptional" day for snow......at least foot and a half. I did not clear it all out however and the fresh air intake was fine.
Man this vehicle eats snow and the ABS performed fantastically.
Back Window: Usually look out bottom portion. Today I did not even brush off snow. Rear defroster did it all. Not difficult to see at all due to no wiper. Water does not seem to affect the flat lower portion as it gets caught on upper slanted level.
The only issue I've encountered is the rear hatch pop up. You hit the hatch pop up and it releases then you have to release it a second time to open. (my only true complaint...may be a safety component......GM DRONE...any comment)
Today was the worse day of the winter and I felt totally secure and comfortable. I did have a number of drives to complete in this weather.
NEXT FRIDAY......I DRIVE TO FLORIDA IN MY 'TEK......can't wait. By the way Dr. Zoom....did you check out the awesome sound system?
Drive a bargain....drive a 'TEK.....you'll enjoy
If you like to use your imagination, look at an Aztek's side profile, then look at a BMW X5 or the Lexus truck sometime. A little curving and blending, removal of ugly plastic (GM) clading, add some nice wheels, and this could be as attractive of a vehicle as the other two, but something that middle class 20 something's (target audience) can afford. + put the new I-6 in it
Kissfan1, a smart observer a couple hundred posts ago mentioned the only bashers of the Aztek are non-owners! Get it, the Aztek is a slam dunk....Its not a SUV for everyone, but the people that own them couldn't be happier. If making their customers happy was GM's goal, they did everything right.
A couple comments about the Aztek, I'm getting 22mpg in the city. WOW!
My only complaint is the cup holders in the back seat(or should I say door)
My biggest concern to date is nobody notices my AZTEK, no comments, no stares, nothing. I feel like I'm driving a over priced BMW/Lexus. Yes I said overpriced, I saved at least $20,000 dollars by buying the Aztek, and my car will do everything theirs will. Oh, yes mine will depreciate faster but I have $20,000 working for me the way a car never can! By the time their BMW/Lexus is paid off, that $20,000 will be worth more than their used wheels. The Aztek is awesome.....GMdrone, no way to make management listen, don't drive yourself crazy trying. Just rememeber this feeling when you are in management.
BTW, I agree, the radio rocks!
Last night I had to go across town to Farmington Hills (about 30 miles from home). On my way over there, we were hit by snow squalls and the road turned into a skating rink. I-696 looked like a lottery machine with ping-pong balls scattered around the road. Tek did quite well, much better than 30 something driver of 745i who bounced off semi's tires, rolled over about 5 times, and came to rest INCHES from my front end. ABS was definitely helpful! Still amazed that some people continue to drive into milk bottle at 85+ mph, in rush hour traffic, must have been listening to wife/ex-wife scream on telephone, eh? Anyway, it was so slick that the front wheels slid like crazy before the TC kicked in, even at 5 or 6 mph. That's slick!
I do enjoy communicating with y'all, it is gratifying to see that this vehicle has stirred emotions in people, bad or good! I really can't remember when we built a car that people talked about as much! Too bad a larger chunk of the population hasn't taken to it. We do have a lot of new products coming at you, I just hope that we can execute them as well as Aztek/Rendevous!
Don't worry, I won't go nuts and pull a postal worker because of my inability to make management see the problems as I see them, it ain't worth the Pepcid! I'll just keep trying to build them the best We can.
I'm going to try to have access to the net....... so I'll report on all aspects of the drive.
eieio: I must correct you! About your post #1408. There are some things the new Aztek cannot do the the BMW x.5 does (here is a small list from BMW x.5 problems board):
1. Stall Inexplicably (post #194)
2. Malfunctioning Fuel Gauge (post #194)
3. Tailgate not Closing (post #194)
4.Excessive Wind Whistle (post#194)
5.Transmission Selector Light (post #195)
6. 45 Days in shop due to lack of parts (post #196)
7. Airbag Instrumentation light stays on after Hand Car Washing (post #205)
8.Rapid Battery Drain (post#206)
9. Sunroof Noise (post #182)
10. No heater....Heater malfunction (post#183)
NOTICE: I PUT IN MY SOURCE........NO SECOND HAND STORIES HERE!! ; )
So as you see......the wonder of engineering. The pinnacle of the driving machine does a whole lot that the 'TEK doesn't. One owner goes so far as to say the vehicle is nothing but a $50,000 dollar problem (post #184).
Another owner......folds pieces of card board to stop the excessive squeaking. So EIEIEIO please more diligent in your postings regarding the AZTEK.......because that vehicle does a WHOLE ; ) lot more for double the price.
Best regards (by the way go read that board for lots of laughs).........By the way BMW x.5 has 3 recalls......AZTEK hasn't done that neither.
; )
Two Stories.
Yesterday met guy driving Red AZTEK. He just bought it he was out driving in the snow.....FOR FUN.
Pulled into McDonalds.......Store manger saw me pull in. She approached me and asked about the AZTEK. She told me she wants one........she timidly asked how it drove. I tossed her the keys.......She was delighted and nervous. We just scooted around parking lot. Whole store was watching. (it was quiet.....mid day during storm)
; ) wearing the AZTEK smile
Makes them seem insecure about their choices.
Maybe This should be renamed "Azteks, X-5, Passats and Lexus-Borgward too."
The bottom line is that ANY product line can and will have problems. It's the law of statistics and the first thing we learn in engineering 101.
And even if you take 10 perfect samples out of 10's of thousands, that is only a 0.1% sampling at the most-- hardly an indicator of any vehicle's (Aztek) overall product line quality.
It almost like they have comic book illustrators designing these vehicles sometimes...
I read that 17" wheels will be standard on all Azteks. Make sure they aren't those gray plastic covers that look like they came from K-mart. Of course, the accountants you mentioned that rule GM, prefer those.
Greg
;-)
I wonder why they don't make more yellow ones. That seems to be the best color.
Greg
When you drive a great vehicle like the 'TEK......you get alot of interested parties. It is fun!!
Driving and owning such a great vehicle.
; ) ......the aztek smile
I would have loved to own a yellow 'TEK but they were not available when I bought in September.
At that time it was Red or Black.
I originally bought Red then changed to Black.
; ) .......aztek smile!!
I understand that samples of one are not statistically valid but is interesting to note the wide breadth of problems with those other vehicles .....and few posted problems posted with the AZTEK.
I saw your posts on the ACURA MDX board.......are you also shopping for this vehicle. It is a vehicle I would luve to test drive.
; ) ...... aztek smile
I pride myself on knowing the market and the MDX is a great value. I actually would have bought one but a) it's too wide for my narrow driveway gate and b) safety and reliabilty were my two main priorities for my family and the RX300 is a top performer in both areas. The results for the MDX aren't in yet.
The only thing missing that we wanted was the larger (taller) puncture sealant tires and rims that were a 150 dollar option otherwise we are very happy. The dealer in Kennesaw GA offered to upgrade the tires for the same 150 dollars which we are contemplating.
I did drive the car with and without the towing package. It handles more to my liking with the tow package (less lean) but a slightly stiffer ride overall. My wife preferred the softer setup
and it's her car primarily so that's what we got.
We tried working the deal several ways and for us the lease seemed like a good way to go even though we would like to purchase at the end. Pontiac does not really offer any good incentives for the buy yet but I suspect they are coming. We were able to get 3k off the MSRP plus hiking package (instead of the tent) plus sunroof deflector. We used the GMbuypower website to have a good idea what the payments should be before going in. This deal was not that unusual as two dealers offered the exact same package but the one we went with was able to get the option/color package quickly.
I have to say GM missed the boat on the customer profile. My wife is 40 and thinks it's different but not ugly. She wanted something to carry her Golden Retrievers in comfort. It had to have rear air vents, get decent gas mileage, be fairly roomy and it could not be a mini-van or a wagon....not too many cars fit this profile though the manufacturers are ramping up in this direction.
Today she was approached by a women in her 50's who asked to see inside and wanted to know all about it. My wife said she wanted to know where the nearest Pontiac dealer was as she was quite impressed (the interior is nice !!).
Like I said sofar we are happy (nice dealer too by the way).
mz
Or does the trailer package simply contain the wiring, level package, heavy duty cooling etc?
We as owners need to take control of this board and engage in a rational discussion about this vehicle.
The naysayers who pollute this board with GM hate and innuendo need to realize that ....that tone is not required.
We are here to discuss the AZTEK. So as I said please let us know about your experiences.
; ) ...... the aztek smile
I would say that the vehicle does ride firmer with the trailer package.
BY the way those wheel wells really packed with snow. I don't want to bang away in the wells. Hopefully it will warm up.
LOL........you know it feels good complaining about snow build up. Then I visit the x.5 trouble board and have a good laugh....at the $50,000 problem. Well if thats as bad as it gets......we'll be happy.
; ) ...... the aztek smile
Check it out, you might find it pleasant as well.
When wheel wells filled up with snow......to an extent I have not experienced with another vehicle. I posted and let readers know.
When the rear hatch functions in a way that is different......I post and let readers know.
That is the purpose of this board........to advise readers / owners / perspective buyers of the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicle.
As far as comparisons........no one buys a vehicle in a vacuum. If a perspective purchaser is on this board and he is comparing two vehicles. Lets say the Mazda Tribute & Aztek:
It is a service to that buyer to know:
1. That the Tribute has 7 recalls
2. That tha Aztek has not sold well.
3. That if he is looking at the BMW x.5........other BMW x.5 owners have percieved their vehicle as a $50,000 problem.
4. That the rear hatch of the Aztek works in an unusual manner.
5. That snow.......will collect in the wheel wells of the AZTEK
7. That the Subaru Forrester has no recalls and othe customers who bought are happy.
As far as smart type remarks........all I do/did is talk about the facts. I post my sources and trade little in second hand info. When I have it usually is to counter second hand info offered here by other posters.
This board is a source of information about the AZTEK and potential comparisons to other vehicle for perspective buyers.
It should not be a source for hate venom about feelings towards people or manufacturers. I find it inexplicable why the HOSTS let it go on. But it is their board.
I always post factual information.........If my tranny fell out tomorrow......or I was pissed about some way the AZTEK performs.......The readers here would know.
That is why this board exists and it should not be high jacked by terrorists repeating the same hate for GM.
; ) ........ aztek smile
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
"As far as smart type remarks........all I do/did is talk about the facts. I post my sources and trade little in second hand info." (post 1433)
That's in a post filled with second hand stories about other vehicles! You have no first hand knowledge of any of the vehicles you mention. You pass on stories you read elsewhere.
That's the definition of a second-hand story.
THEN- You cry that "This is an Aztek forum" and proceed to mention Mazda, BMW, Subaru and Acura.
Today's word: CONSISTANCY!
P.S. I like your cute "Aztek smile" But don't you think both eyes should be closed, not just one?
Regards,
MAK
BTW: the Nissan towing package includes the tongue and ball.
Since you work in GM....why do the Mexicans can get the small car Opel models (Corsa & Astra which are vastly superior to the US J-body sedans)and here in the US and Canada we are stuck in time with the obsolete J-body sedans, Cavalier and Sunfire????
GM produces some FANTASTIC stuff in their Adam Opel division in Germany, yet we don't get the best stuff they got to offer.
Why ask why??
www.opel.com
http://www.chevrolet.com.mx/
(Spanish Lanuguage site for GM/Chevy in Mexico)
Todd
Don't forget, the towing package also comes with a built in air compressor. So with towing you get; high outout alternater, heavy duty engine cooling system, oil cooler, air compressor, self-leveling rear axle, wiring harness, but no receiver hitch. It cost a fortune to have the dealer install a one too. My salesman told me that it would cost about $2000. I was thinking about buying a hitch at Wal Mart and than finding a local welding shop to put it on. A hitch for a Pontiac Montana outa work.
Todd
Also, a question again for "gmdrone". Does the restyled Aztek you saw resemble the Pacecar used at this years Daytona 500?
Thanks,
Greg
Xterras with the towing package DO come with a shoebox sized box containing a tongue, ball and wiring harness that plugs in behind the hitch.
You were shortchanged.